Vaughn Beaulieu-Mercredi

Vaughn is from the Dene Tha' First Nation located in Treaty 8 Territory. Vaughn has served as the President of the U of A's Indigenous Students' Union since May of 2020, and also represented his peers as an Arts student elected to General Faculties Council and Students' Union Council this past academic year.

What are some of the best things you learned during your time here?

The most impactful and memorable things that I have learned took place in the Faculty of Native Studies. I think the Faculty of Native Studies is the Univeristy of Alberta's best faculty; the professors are top-notch and they can drastically expand your understandings of concepts. One of my all time favourite classes has been NS 330 (Indigenous Economies). You learn so many things about how Indigenous peoples can utilize economies to become self-determining and self-governing. I would highly recommend this course!

Do you have any advice to share with new or prospective students?

Get involved! The past three years I have been working on the Aboriginal Student Council, now the Indigenous Students' Union, is the highlight of my non-academic career. I have met some lifelong friends, worked with some amazing people, and have had the opportunity to make a difference at the University of Alberta and within Indigenous students lives.

Get involved with whatever group you might be interested in. You never know who you might meet, where you might go, and what impact you might make.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be attending the Peter A. Allard School of Law at University of British Columbia to obtain a degree of Juris Doctor. After, I plan to practise law within British Columbia advocating for Indigenous and Treaty rights, with my ultimate end goal being a Justice (if not the first Indigenous/First Nations Justice) on the Supreme Court of Canada.