Marissa Magneson (BFA ’18) is a Cree-Métis artist, photographer and arts educator. Her advocacy for Indigenous and Métis rights to self-govern, uplift youth and reclaim fractured cultural identities due to colonization is deeply rooted in her family history. But when it came to Marissa’s personal identity, it would be her experiences as a student at York University that would ignite her journey of understanding and reclaiming her cultural identity.  

“I chose to study at York because it was the only university that offered a world music program. York allowed me to study flamenco guitar, study abroad in Spain, and allowed me to sing in one of the best university gospel choirs,” says Marissa.  

Marissa recalls the independent reading course she took during her undergraduate studies with Dr. Rob Simms. As part of the course, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain which inspired her to examine her own identity.  

“Writing and documenting my experience in Spain made me realize what I wanted to explore next – my own identity. Studying a culture that is not your own can raise questions about who you are, so I worked with Dr. Simms for another year, writing my second photo essay book about understanding what it means to me to be Indigenous,” says Marissa.  

Today, Marissa has returned to York to pursue her PhD where she is currently exploring beadwork as pedagogy, a bridge towards cultural reclamation and reconciliation.  

“Coming back to York felt like returning home, especially visiting the Centre for Indigenous Student Services, which served as my second home during my undergrad,” says Marissa. “The supports they offer are critical to my well-being and journey of reclaiming my cultural identity as a Cree-Métis woman; they are very much to thank for where I am today.”  

As an arts educator, Marissa collaborates with various organizations leaving a significant impact on post-secondary Indigenous student centres, private and public schools, local governments, arts organizations, corporations and her own communities – the Métis Nation of Ontario and Toronto and York Regional Métis Council. She is also a strong advocate for fair and equitable compensation for all artists and arts educators.  

“Art has always been a foundational part of who I am and how I learn and express myself, whether that be through music, photography or beadwork. I hope to contribute to my community through helping others find themselves through art and to education by helping people learn through art,” says Marissa.    

As a 2024 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 recipient, Vanier Scholar and a two-time recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) awards, Marissa encourages students to be open to their journey and embrace the pathways and possibilities that education can reveal.