39 Lillian Eva Dyck

Lillian Eva Dyck

Time period:

1974-Present

Subject:

Biology (Neuroscience) and Indigenous Rights and Activism 

Biography:

Lillian Eva Dyck is a Cree and Chinese Canadian born on August 24, 1945 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. She was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2005, representing Saskatchewan, and was the first First Nations woman and the first Canadian of Chinese descent to serve in the Senate. During her tenure, she championed Indigenous rights, women’s equality, and anti-discrimination policies. She retired from the Senate in 2020.

Before her political career, Dyck was an academic. She earned a Ph.D. in Biological Psychiatry from the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focused on neurochemical changes in the brain (schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s) and the predisposition of Indigenous peoples to alcoholism. As a faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan, she broke barriers as one of the few Indigenous women in her field, mentoring students and promoting diversity in the sciences. Her work contributed to a deeper understanding of how neurotransmitters influence brain function and behavior, paving the way for advancements in mental health treatments.

Since her retirement from the Senate, Dyck has continued her work as an academic researcher, professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and passionate advocate for Indigenous and women’s rights.

Summary of their contributions:

Dyck’s research primarily focused on neurological disorders, especially around strokes, Alzheimer’s Disease, and schizophrenia. She investigated monoamine oxidase inhibitors that helped to identify drugs useful for treatment of various disorders. She was awarded a lifetime achievement award by Indspire for her contributions and pioneering as one of the first Indigenous women to pursue a career in academic sciences.

Integration with the BC Secondary Science Curriculum:

Anatomy and Physiology 12

Dyck’s research focuses around neuroscience and neurobehaviour, concepts introduced and explored during the organ systems unit of Anatomy and Physiology 12. Her research could be used to demonstrate to students how neurobiology can be applied in academia and industry. She is also an important Indigenous figure in Canada and would be a great resource for integrating Indigenous Ways of Knowing. 

References:

Historica Canada. (n.d.). Lillian Dyck. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lillian-dyck 

Indspire. (n.d.). Lillian Eva Dyck. Indspire. https://indspire.ca/laureate/lillian-eva-dyck-2/ 

University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine. (n.d.). Lillian Dyck – Emeriti. https://medicine.usask.ca/profiles/psychiatry/emeriti-dyck.l.php