Meet Nina Andrascik, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science (Forestry) in Forest Resources Management and current MSc. student in the Indigenous Ecology Lab.
On June 3rd, 2022, the day after graduating with a BSc in Forestry from UBC, I packed my car and made the move to Lillooet, BC, where I began my role as an Environmental Technician with St’át’imc Government Services (SGS). In this position, I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people and contribute to a variety of impactful projects for the Nation. From using eDNA to conduct presence/absence studies on white sturgeon in Seton and Anderson watersheds, engaging in wildfire recovery efforts throughout the Northern St’át’imc territory, and monitoring bighorn sheep and elk in both northern and southern communities. The diversity of projects I’ve been involved in has provided me with invaluable experience and insights.
It was during my time at SGS that I met Dr. Jennifer Grenz, who ultimately led me to pursue my MSc in the Indigenous Ecology Lab, within the Faculty of Forestry, in September 2023. Although returning to graduate school so soon wasn’t part of my original plan, the connections and relationships I built during my first year in Lillooet deepened my commitment to serving these communities. Both Dr. Grenz’s and SGS’ support in allowing me to continue to live in Lillooet and pursue graduate studies while working within St’at’imc has been instrumental in my decision to embark on this path.
My research focuses on centering St’át’imc worldview, knowledges, values, and needs to inform the stewardship of mule deer and their habitats in the aftermath of wildfires, while also addressing the sustenance needs of St’át’imc. My data collection so far has involved meaningful conversations with community hunters, land guardians, elders, and knowledge keepers, shared during time spent on the land, along with pick-up truck rides, laughter, and good food. I’ve also received an award from the Faculty of Forestry Indigenous and Community Engagement Research Fund (ICERF) to help fund and host community workshops and dinners where youth and elders have been brought together to share stories and pass on knowledge within communities over food in community settings.
Every day, I feel deeply grateful to live, work, and study in St’át’imc territory, and I hope my graduate studies can give back even a fraction of what the St’át’imc Nation has generously shared with me.