Who inspired you to get involved in public life?

In my life as a professor, I gave many speeches to the public on discrimination and on advocating for equity for women and minorities.

What do you think is the biggest public policy issue facing Canada today?

Aboriginal issues — from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to Nation-to-Nation governance.

Why should Canadians care about the Senate?

The Senate is an integral part of Parliament that determines which bills are passed into laws affecting Canadians.

What legislative or committee work are you most proud of?

My work advocating for an inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and my bill to amend the Criminal Code to protect Aboriginal women and girls from assault and murder (S-215).

What is a hidden gem in your region?

Wanuskewin Heritage Park on the outskirts of Saskatoon.

Name a guilty pleasure song that always makes you smile.

No guilt: Buffy Sainte-Marie's Starwalker makes me smile with pride at being an Aboriginal person. The pow wow beat pumps up my heart!

What is the last book you read or movie you saw that you recommended to someone else?

Nationhood Interrupted: Revitalizing nêhiyaw Legal Systems by Sylvia McAdam. A first of its kind — she was given permission to describe sacred Cree legal traditions. The traditional role of women as the holders of the laws is described.

What sports team do you support?

I have to say the Saskatchewan Roughriders!

Why are you proud to be Canadian?

We have a solid foundation for respecting and protecting the human rights and equality of all Canadians.

Note to readers: The Honourable Lillian Dyck retired from the Senate of Canada in August 2020. Learn more about her work in Parliament.