Born: August 24, 1945 (North Battleford, Saskatchewan)
Biography:
Lillian Eva Quan Dyck, OC (born August 24, 1945) is a retired Canadian senator from Saskatchewan. A member of the Cree Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, and a first-generation Chinese Canadian, she is the first female First Nations senator and first Canadian-born senator of Chinese descent.
Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, to a Chinese father, Yok Lee Quan, and Cree mother, Eva Muriel Mcnab, Dyck grew up in a time of racial discrimination, where her family had to hide their Indigenous heritage in order to protect themselves from racism. Her father had come to Canada after paying the Head Tax, leaving his first family behind in China. Her mother, like most First Nations women at the time, was sent to a residential school. Dyck and her family were essentially the only Chinese family in their small town, as most First Nations people were living on reserves. Growing up, Dyck worked various jobs, including waitressing at the Regal Cafe in Killam, Alberta, where her mother’s tombstone lies.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Dyck was actively encouraged to pursue higher education while attending the Swift Current Collegiate Institute. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Master of Science Degrees in Biochemistry in 1968 and 1970, respectively, as well as her Ph.D. in Biological Psychiatry in 1981, all from the University of Saskatchewan. In recognition of her accomplishments, Dyck was conferred a Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa by Cape Breton University in 2007.
Before her appointment to the Senate, Dyck had a successful career as a neuroscientist with the University of Saskatchewan, where she also served as an associate dean. Her research focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease, and she made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience.
In addition to her academic work, Dyck has been a tireless advocate for equity in education and employment for women, Chinese Canadians, and Aboriginals. Her advocacy work has had a lasting impact, inspiring positive change and leading to greater opportunities for underrepresented groups in Canadian society.
Dyck’s contributions to academia, advocacy, and public service were recognized through various awards and honors. In 1999, she was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Indspire, making her one of the first Aboriginal women in Canada to receive such recognition for her contributions to the sciences. In 2019, she was awarded the Women of Distinction Awards Lifetime Achievement Award by the YWCA Saskatoon, further highlighting her exceptional achievements and commitment to empowering women.
Throughout her career, Dyck has been an inspiration to countless individuals, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Her dedication to bridging gaps and promoting equity has not only shaped her own legacy but has also left an indelible mark on women’s history in Canada.
Awards:
– Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Indspire (1999)
– Women of Distinction Awards Lifetime Achievement Award from the YWCA Saskatoon (2019)