Yvonne Pompana

Sioux Valley First Nation, Manitoba
Ph.D. Indigenous Studies

When asked about how she hopes to one day make a difference in the world, Indigenous Studies Ph.D. graduate Yvonne Pompana says, “I think I already make a difference. When Aboriginal students see an Aboriginal professor, and are taught by an Aboriginal professor, they see possibilities.”

Yvonne is a Dakota First Nations woman from Sioux Valley First Nation. Although her academic career started a little later in life, Yvonne says it has gradually become central to who she is. She completed her B.A., majoring in psychology with a minor in Native Studies at the University of Manitoba and after working in her field for a time, she returned to complete a Master of Social Work degree. During her first year as a Ph.D. student at Trent University, her first granddaughter was born. Throughout her time at Trent, Yvonne also became a happy grandmother twice more.

Balancing family with her academic passions has always been a priority for Yvonne and the flexibility of the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program, as well as its international reputation and commitment to valuing Indigenous knowledge, were what drew her to Trent.  

“In my opinion, education and training are essential for a fulfilling and rewarding life,” she says.

For her Ph.D. research, Yvonne has been studying the devolution of child and family services, from the Province of Manitoba to the First Nations located in southern Manitoba. For her innovative research, Yvonne won a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.

“During my Master’s program, my thesis research was an examination of two concepts: devolution policy and the indigenization of social control and how they applied to First Nations. This research laid the ground work for my Ph.D. dissertation research which focused on the policy of devolution and how it had been experienced by First Nations across two different time frames,” she explains.

Balancing an academic career at Trent with a family in Manitoba, Yvonne travelled back and forth between two provinces for the majority of her studies. While pursuing her Ph.D., she was also working full-time as an assistant professor at the Inner City Social Work Program at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Before completing her dissertation, which led to a promotion to associate professor, Yvonne was also teaching first-year students, who would not typically be able to access university education, at the University of Manitoba. “Our student population reflects Aboriginal, immigrant/refugee, and low income non-Aboriginal populations; all are in need of financial, academic and personal support,” she explains. “It is extremely rewarding to see the students grow and develop over four years of their academics. To watch them receive their degree is amazing.”

Despite the juggling act, Yvonne made the most out of her time at Trent, opting to join the Trent Rowing Club. Participating in a regatta was a highlight of her experience.

Commenting on her tireless commitment and desire to be involved with different initiatives, Yvonee says, “It was the first time I was able to experience life east of Manitoba. I arrived when the leaves were beginning to change and I remember the beautiful trillium during the spring. The most special memories I have are of the fellow students in my cohort and my first opportunity to meet people from the Mohawk Nation.”