USask student strives for wildlife conservation that upholds Indigenous voices
Kim Lebel honoured for academic excellence during Indigenous Achievement Week.
By Brett Makulowich“Being recognized at Indigenous Achievement Week is something I never dreamed of, but it’s such an honour and truly so encouraging,” said Kim Lebel. “I’m a Two-Spirit Métis woman with ancestral roots in the historic Red River settlements. This award is a sign from my guides and ancestors to take a moment to be proud of the work I’ve done and what I’ve achieved so far.”
Indigenous Achievement Week is an annual University of Saskatchewan (USask) event that celebrates Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff, faculty and alumni success. This year’s IAW is March 10-14.
Lebel is studying animal bioscience in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) at USask. She was initially drawn to the Bachelor of Animal Bioscience program since it meets the prerequisites for admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
“There are so many advantages to studying animal bioscience at USask,” said Lebel. “I’ve been able to gain hands-on learning experiences observing and working with animals at USask facilities such as the Poultry Centre, the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence, and the Rayner Dairy Research and Teaching Facility.
“There are also AgBio researchers doing work on the intersection of wildlife and agricultural space. This is the area where I’ve found my niche.”
Lebel explored this niche with her research on the Eastern Migratory caribou and its drastic population decline. In August 2023, she travelled to Churchill, Man., for ANBI 475.3 Field Studies in Arctic Ecosystems and Indigenous Peoples course, taught by Dr. Ryan Brook (PhD). Along with two classmates, she analyzed trail cam data of the location of caribou in relation to wolves in Wapusk National Park. The student group designed their research project with the goal to contribute to caribou conservation.
“The caribou are not only an ecological keystone species, but a cultural keystone species for many Indigenous Nations,” said Lebel. “The Eastern Migratory Caribou have strong, long-standing ties to the Sayisi Dene way of life.”
“Protecting the caribou is directly related to the prioritization of Truth and Reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples. Upholding Indigenous voices and doing the work to honour those sacred relations is a mindset that will be central to my work for the rest of my life.”
Lebel also advocates for Indigenous voices through her involvement in the USask Chapter of AISES (Advancing Indigenous People in STEM). AISES seeks to significantly increase the number of Indigenous science, technology, engineering, and math students and professionals.
Lebel, along with other classmates, is working towards starting an Indigenous Student Association specific to AgBio, as well as a Genders and Sexualities Alliance AgBio Club.
“The best way I’ve built community in the latter years of my program is by joining clubs,” said Lebel. “It’s an incredible way to meet like-minded people and work together to evoke meaningful change on campus.”
With a busy schedule of studies, research, and advocating, Lebel is set to graduate in spring 2026. She plans to pursue graduate studies with a research focus on caribou conservation. Her original goal of veterinary medicine is still a possibility.
“I could see myself pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine after graduate studies and becoming a wildlife veterinarian. I’m excited about the journey and the experiences gained along the way.”
Together, we will work towards Truth and Reconciliation. We invite you to join by supporting Indigenous achievement at USask.