91ĹÝÜ˝

Aspiring filmmaker and author Andryah Ayotte (BA and Research Certificate, 2025) believes that by shining a light on the root causes of social and political issues, storytellers can inspire positive change in communities.

The 91ĹÝÜ˝ (SFU) Indigenous Studies alumnus is currently writing a book, which started as a series of assignments in INDG 301 - Issues in Applied Indigenous Studies Research with Wenona Hall. “The way that Wenona Hall teaches research, it is not colonized, it is meaningful work,” Ayotte explains. “My book is set in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in the 1970s through 1990s, and tells the story of my grandparents’ lives together. It was different from how we view it now; it was a happening place with lots of live music, where people went in search of fun.”

Growing up, Ayotte says her family’s support empowered her to share her voice and embrace her Sts’Ailes, mixed-European, and Guatemalan heritage. “I majored in Indigenous Studies and minored in Political Science because I needed to remember where I came from, and make a difference for my Nation, so that future generations continue to thrive,” says Ayotte, as she reflects on the importance of community.

Ayotte first recognized how research can bring communities together in INDG 211 - Researching Residential Schools with Natahnee Winder. “We need to have that circle work and talk about things that we often do not talk about,” Ayotte says of how the course further inspired her book, which started as her personal search to understand and address colonial trauma. “I have collected a lot of research working on the book with my grandpa to honour my grandma.”

Ultimately, Ayotte envisions adapting her family’s story for the screen. Her work as a location manager —both before and during her time as a student — ignited her passion for filmmaking. Working with the Sts’Ailes Nation and nearby Indigenous communities, and filming in her nation’s traditional territory, had special meaning for her. “This picture shows where we come from, and have always been from, for generations: even with colonization we are still here and coming back home,” Ayotte says of her photograph, taken at a location she managed for the Apple TV+ series SEE. “If it was not for the support of my Nation and the youth I met when filming, I likely would not have gone to university.”

Starting her journey towards her degree through the Indigenous University Preparation Pathway (IUPP) helped Ayotte to find a culturally relevant learning environment that supported her academic success. “I really enjoyed taking courses with Kicya7 Joyce Schneider, I took my first Indigenous Studies course with her through IUPP,” she recalls. “On the last day of class, she organizes a potluck. It was always fun to have the students enjoying food together and celebrating each other’s work.”

Outside of the classroom, Ayotte also found time to connect with the campus Indigenous community. “The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) always has fun activities, and I enjoyed volunteering at their Welcome Feast,” she says. “I had so much fun volunteering at the (FNMISA) Powwow in its second year.”

In her next chapter, Ayotte is interested in continuing her education. “If I had not gone to SFU, I would not have realized that I could put forward an idea like this for a master’s project,” Ayotte says of sharing her family’s story. Ayotte, who also aspires to start a non-profit aimed at helping communities, wants to encourage Indigenous students to pursue their education as a way to make a difference. “As a university student, you get the opportunity to follow your passion,” Ayotte says. “Study what you want to study. For me, I knew that was Indigenous Studies.”