‘Something clicked and I knew I loved anthropology’: Alumna reflects on her U of S education

By Shannon Boklaschuk

Jenny Gerbrandt had never come across the word “anthropology” until she read it in the University of Saskatchewan course catalogue – but the word would soon become very significant to her, both academically and professionally.

During her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science at the U of S, Gerbrandt took the 100-level introductory anthropology class as an elective course, followed by a 200-level medical anthropology class taught by Professor Alexander (Sandy) Ervin from the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology.

“About halfway through that 200-level class something clicked and I knew I loved anthropology and wanted to make it my major and later work in that field. Until that point, I had never had any real idea what I wanted to do with my career or studies,” Gerbrandt said.

“I was amazed at the interesting things that anthropologists are studying (and) doing, and how they truly respect and help the communities with which they study. I was also excited to have found a career that I felt passionate about and that allowed me to do research that involved Indigenous communities and the environment.”

Gerbrandt went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology in 2012 and a master’s degree in environmental anthropology at the U of S in 2016, under the supervision of Professor Clinton Westman. She attended her convocation ceremony while being evacuated from her home due to the Fort McMurray, Alberta, wildfire in May 2016.

Today, Gerbrandt works in Fort McMurray as a government relations project coordinator for the Mikisew Cree First Nation’s Government Industry Relations department.

“This job allows me to learn a lot about all levels of government, work on projects that affect the rights of First Nation peoples and the environment, use my anthropological background and spend time with Mikisew members and Elders, which is so rewarding and is the point of all that I do in my work,” she said.

“Since moving to Fort McMurray in early 2015, I have also worked as a research assistant for a research firm – Willow Springs Strategic Solutions – and as a regulatory affairs and heritage research associate for McMurray Metis Local 1935.”

Gerbrandt said her studies and work experience have helped her “learn important lessons about the importance of respecting and acknowledging the past and current context of the people we research and study with,” adding that anthropologists must “always remember that we can never presume to understand things in the same way community members do.”

She also acknowledged her gratitude for the opportunities she had to work with and for Indigenous communities during and since her studies at the U of S.

“I have learned so much from these communities and it feels great to be helping them in some small way with the cause of Indigenous rights, true reconciliation and environmental and cultural stewardship,” Gerbrandt said.

“Particularly during my graduate and field studies in anthropology, I learned important lessons about informed consent and truly community-based research. Those who do not exist within the academic environment most often do not understand our research or consent forms (and) processes in the same way we do. We must do our best to ensure they understand the purpose, process and implications of all research,” she added.

Gerbrandt is reflecting on her time at the U of S as the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology marks its 50^th anniversary in 2018. The department’s celebration is year-long and is focused on its scholarly activities. The centerpiece of the celebration is the department’s 50^th anniversary lecture series, which is focused on the theme of archaeology and anthropology in an era of engagement and reconciliation.

The lecture series will highlight the work of the department’s faculty members in engaged research activities with Indigenous communities and will also feature special events with Indigenous archaeologists and anthropologists. Professor James B. Waldram from the U of S Department of Archaeology and Anthropology will give the first lecture, scheduled for Sept. 27.

“Archaeology and anthropology as a discipline was the first to undertake research in Indigenous communities, rather than by sitting in libraries and reading trader and missionary journals. Our collaborative work has extended more than a century. The department today honours that tradition as the original community-based and engaged discipline. Our faculty and students are leaders in this kind of research,” said Waldram.

“In this, our 50^th year, we seek to acknowledge our roots as a discipline whose history is fundamentally interrelated with that of Indigenous peoples, from time immemorial to today, while looking to the future as we continue to build on a relationship of respect,” he added.

“We seek to find a path for disciplinary reconciliation. We seek to honour the stories of the survivors of residential schools. And, in doing so, we seek to become the best scholars and students we can be.”

For more information about the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, visit the department’s website.

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