Tiger Bellerose

Full Name: Tiger Bellerose 

Nation: Cree from Driftpile First Nation

Major/Minor: I am majoring in Sociology and minoring in Native Studies 

Why did you pick the University of Alberta?

I think a big part of my decision was the fact that I wanted to be an example for my younger relatives and that I wanted to show them we can be more than the stereotypes we hear about our people all the time. And the way to do that I thought was to make it somewhere where we don't see ourselves being because of those stereotypes.

What advice would you give your previous self when starting your first year?

To read my textbooks, ask for help when you need, and when you have "time" to relax, it just means you forgot about an assignment.

What instructor or individual inspires you? Why?

My cousin Barry Chalifoux. Because he was the first person that stood out to me that was different from the rest of my family. The one that stood out the most to me that deviated from the "norms" what an Indigenous person should do or be.

Is there a class that inspired you? If so, how?

The classes that inspired me would have to be my Cree classes. Growing up I wasn't taught Cree or really learned any cultural knowledge about my heritage, but my Cree classes are my favorite because they connected me to what I should've always known.

What do you plan on doing after completing your undergraduate degree?

Honestly can't say anything 100% sure right now, but it's a toss up between doing a graduate program at the uofa or moving to Vancouver to pursue my dream of being a professional dancer more.

What's the one thing, you can't live without?

I can't live without my friends. They keep me going when I think I can't keep myself level-headed and they help me laugh through the hard times. They make this adventure we call life much more bearable.

What do you do to have fun?

I like to do a couple different things. I do hip hop dance (a lot), try to learn guitar/piano (I say try because I never commit to learning them), or I just play video games with my friends.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I played a very minor role in a T.V show called Outlander.

What is a cause you are passionate about?

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movements (MMIW).