Marion Erickson is a Dakelh woman from the community of Nak’azdli and is a member of the Lhts’umusyoo (Beaver Clan). Marion is a PhD in Health Sciences Student at the University of Northern British Columbia. Marion’s research seeks to advance the wellbeing of First Nations women as well address racism in healthcare. Marion aspires to ensure that clinical trail clinicians have the skills they need to provide culturally safe and humble healthcare as this will advance the wellbeing of First Nations women. Marion’s work will be focused on the development of a behavioural intervention that will increase clinical trail clinicians ability to provide culturally safe and humble care. 

As a PhD in Health Sciences Student at UNBC, Marion is being supervised by Dr. Davina Baner Lukaris and Dr. Sarah Deleeuw. Marion has Master of Education from Thompson Rivers University and a Bachelor of Public Administration and Community Development from UNBC. Marion works as a Research Manager at the Health Arts Research Centre where she works to interrogate the determinants of health disparities in the north especially with regards to inequities experienced by Frist Nations peoples. 

Marion is currently serving as Public Member of the College of Oral Health Professionals well as the BC Anti-Racism Data Committee. She is also a representative on the Doula’s for Aboriginal Families Knowledge Keepers Advisory Committee. Marion has served on the Dakelh Language Curriculum Development Committee for School District 57. Marion’s current research is focused on revitalizing Dakelh midwifery practice and enhancing Indigenous-led learning opportunities for healthcare providers.

Throughout Marion’s experiences, Marion has recognized that the health and well-being of Indigenous people are connected to the health and well-being of the land. Marion also recognizes art as a way of storytelling and that this storytelling is a way to build relationships within our northern communities. This relationship building is necessary to work collectively towards actively addressing health inequalities in the north.