Traditional woman takes non-traditional path

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Samantha Kinoshameg, 22, graduated this year from Laurentian University with an honors Bachelor of Science degree in the behavioral neuroscience program.

Behavioural neuroscience is the study of brain function as it relates to the behavior of an individual. It examines how individuals respond to internal states, interact with each other and the environment.

"As a child I was always fascinated with the human brain - just looking at it in pictures and books," said Kinoshameg, a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve raised in Sudbury.

As a volunteer at the former Sudbury General Hospital when she was 12 years old, she saw a CAT scan and found it intriguing.

"I found it fascinating that they could stick this person in this contraption and come up with these pictures. That was the first thing that peaked my interest in studying the brain...also my questioning nature. I always wondered why."

Kinoshameg was taught to question everything.

"Just because an adult says it's true you don't necessarily believe it...I had to find out for myself."

She credits her mother with always taking the time to help her find the answers to her questions.

"If she didn't have the answer she would find someone who would help me."

Raised by her parents who are Elders in the Sudbury Native community, she was introduced her to the Ojibwe teachings as a young child. Her parents brought her to the Grandmothers of the Three Fires Society in St. Charles, Ont.

As well as teachings from her Ojibway culture, her parents exposed her and her brother, Nur, to a cross-section of Native teachers from across Canada and the United States. Her mother believed it was important for her children to understand that although there is only one truth, there are many traditions surrounding God, or the Creator.

By understanding this concept it has helped to give Kinoshameg and her brother a universal view of the human race.

"One of the major reasons that I entered the sciences is that it's applicable to all people, not just one select group. As long as you can think and be a part of the groups' discussion, it doesn't matter what your cultural background is."

She doesn't feel her cultural background clashes with her chosen profession.

"I believe that Native cultural beliefs and the scientific world view being in conflict with one another is a myth that is perpetuated by society. The sciences are simply a tool that we use to examine questions."

Kinoshameg has traveled extensively on the traditional powwow circuit as a fancy shawl and hoop dancer in Canada, the United States and has performed as far away as Japan. She has a background in the performing arts, as a jazz, lyrical and modern dancer, as well as an actress.

"I've been a performer all my life in theatre and dance since I was a child in one form or another." She jokes about finishing her science degree and then going back to the world of the performing arts.

"Going to university was the only goal I set up for myself," she said. "Things came along and I grabbed it and went with it and when I got bored of it I went on to something else."

Kinoshameg found the public school system very challenging, which she believes was due in part to her cultural background.

"When I was in the ninth grade we all had to see our guidance counselors. When I mentioned that I wanted to go to university the first question out of her mouth was, 'Will you be taking Native studies?'"

Kinoshameg chose to take behavioral neuroscience. She says it's important for youth to follow their dreams and not let anyone discourage or limit them along the way.

"As young people it is our job to find our place, with guidance from our parents and Elders."

She received a lot of support and encouragement from her First Nation community, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, her education counselor, her parents and her brother. As well, a well known Elder in Canada told her "We need people like you in the sciences."

In August, Knoshameg presented at an educator's conference in Alaska. The main goal of the conference was to initiate changes in curriculum development and teaching methods for Native children.

Kinoshameg is presently pursuing her master's degree in Biology at Laurentian University, and hopes to eventually work in the field of immunology.