Anthropology Graduate Student Highlight Series: Sarah Mann

Welcome to the Anthropology Graduate Student Highlight Series! This series will showcase our graduate students' incredible work and research as they navigate their unique academic journeys. Each student is on their own path, progressing at their own pace, and we celebrate the diversity of experiences and achievements within our department. Through these highlights, we aim to inspire and motivate our community by sharing our students' stories, challenges, and successes. Join us in celebrating their dedication and contributions to the field of anthropology.

Archaeology and la laang Michif

Echoes from the Earth: Michif in Archaeology looks at the intersections of linguistic anthropology and archaeology and how they can inform and help strengthen each other's interpretations. This work focuses specifically on the language of French Michif. A language that combines both Cree aspects and French as well. Sarah’s Grandfather and his Métis friends spoke this language in his community. Sarah has loved the language since she was introduced to it at 18 years old through lessons at her local museum. She then wanted to focus her research on this fascinating and impactful language.

Sarah has a deep passion for languages, not just for their rich informational value and humour but also for their role in preserving cultural diversity. She aspires to share her love for languages, emphasizing their significance in promoting the world's cultural richness and their vital role in fostering environmental stewardship. Sarah is particularly committed to supporting the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages, recognizing that revitalizing and preserving Indigenous languages is essential to upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. She believes that these languages are not only key to maintaining cultural identity but also hold valuable knowledge about living sustainably and caring for the Earth, passed down through generations.

The most impactful experience Sarah had while being a graduate student and being able to attend conferences was when she was able to join the MNC gathering on Michif, Reviving Our Métis Languages by Listening and Learning. There, she had the privilege to sit on a youth panel to discuss ways youth found important in language revitalization. It was so great to be around other youth who are as passionate about the language as she is and be able to share their experiences and what is most important when it comes to language.

Recognition and Awards

Sarah has had the privilege of receiving several prestigious awards to support and carry out her research. In April 2024, she was honoured with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Masters award. This highly competitive and nationally recognized scholarship underscores the significance of her research in the social sciences. The following month, she received the Margaret Brine Award from the Canadian Federation of University Women, which was awarded to outstanding women scholars and highlighted her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Additionally, in March 2024, she was awarded the Bryan Gruhn Graduate Award from the University of Alberta's Anthropology Department, a testament to her academic excellence and the department's recognition of the critical importance of her work. These awards are not only a reflection of her dedication and the value of her research but also serve as a powerful encouragement to graduate students like Sarah. They demonstrate the broader academic community's commitment to supporting innovative research, particularly in areas as vital as language revitalization, which is crucial in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a deeper understanding of our world.

Sarah's academic aspirations include pursuing a PhD after completing her current degree, focusing on continued work with the Michif language. She is dedicated to contributing to the ongoing language revitalization efforts led by the Métis Nation across the homeland, aiming to help preserve this vital aspect of their cultural heritage. Sarah is also eager to expand her knowledge by learning additional languages, further enriching her understanding of linguistic diversity. She hopes that her passion, respect, and reverence for these languages will inspire future generations of students, just as she has been inspired by the language enthusiasts who have come before her.

Department Involvement

Sarah has actively participated in the University of Alberta Anthropology Undergraduates (UAAU) and the Association of Graduate Anthropology Students (AGAS). She has forged strong connections through these groups with peers who share her passion for anthropology. Engaging with like-minded students has enriched her academic experience through insightful discussions or enjoying the occasional film night featuring classics like Indiana Jones or National Treasure.

The University of Alberta offers a unique environment for studying anthropology in Alberta, with all subfields housed within a single department. This interdisciplinary structure enables students to explore various facets of anthropology, allowing Sarah to delve into the intriguing relationship between archaeology and language.

Outside of Academics

Managing stress at university is a common challenge for students, particularly at the graduate level. Recognizing the importance of rest and hobbies outside of academic work, Sarah prioritizes spending quality time with friends, family, and her dog to help alleviate stress. Describing herself as a "hobby hoarder," Sarah enjoys many activities, including learning new languages, embroidery, sewing, weaving, and beading. She is always eager to expand her skill set and welcomes opportunities to learn new crafts, such as lace-making. Sarah's motivation and inspiration are deeply rooted in her love for language, particularly one passed down to her by her Great-Grandmother and Grandfather. The process of learning this language and sharing it with others is what continually drives her passion and dedication.

Anthropology in the Real World

Sarah firmly believes that anthropology can potentially drive significant positive social change. It provides a unique lens through which we can view and understand the world, challenging conventional perspectives. She finds inspiration in the work of her colleagues and faculty members, such as Dr. Kisha Supernant's groundbreaking research with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Dr. Maggie Spivey-Faulkner's innovative integration of language and archaeology. These examples underscore anthropology's capacity to influence social change in meaningful ways.

Anthropology is a dynamic field highly relevant to the public and the evolving world. Its broad scope allows it to adapt and address diverse questions about human behaviour, culture, and society. As long as people are curious about the complexities of human life and the political implications of these inquiries, anthropologists will have a vital role. For those considering studying anthropology at the University of Alberta, Sarah encourages reaching out for more information. The Association of Graduate Anthropology Students (AGAS) runs a fantastic mentorship program called AnthHelp, where prospective students can connect with graduate students who are passionate about discussing anthropology.