Popejoy Dissertation Prize: Dr. Suzanne McLeod

Suzanne is Anishinaabe-ikwe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba (Canada). She completed her PhD in Art History, Art of the Americas (Native American) under the guidance of Dr. Joyce Szabo and Dr. Ray Hernandez-Duran. Her dissertation "'Maa-Multh-Nii People Who Came Floating In': Analogues between Nuu-chah-nulth and Tlingit with Spanish Colonial Expeditions in the Eighteenth Century" examines the parallels of culture, governance, aesthetics, and society between Spanish Colonial explorers and the Nuu-chah-nulth and Tlingit nations of the Pacific Northwest Coast. In dismantling the trope of “difference” that has been the dominant narrative regarding colonization of the Americas, her work is premised on an argument of similarity in the philosophical and social structures of two seemingly divergent cultures. A book chapter on a select aspect of her dissertation is set to be published by the University of Manitoba Press in the next year or so.

Suzanne was recently hired as an Assistant Professor at the School of Art, University of Manitoba, a tenure-track position that focuses on the art histories and cultures of First Nations and Inuit people in North America. She also teaches an early Modern course “Renaissance to Baroque.” Since starting, Suzanne has developed multiple new courses focused on Indigenous scholarship and learning—classes that range from ancient Woodland to the brilliant work of 21st century Indigenous artists. She recently applied for a major grant that focuses on the development of imagery of the Native American in 15th Renaissance Italy, its relationship to the papal bull, the Inter Cataerra (better known as the Doctrine of Discovery), and the long-standing impact on the lives of Indigenous people over the last 500+ years.

Suzanne would like to thank several key individuals who helped her along her way: Dr. Joyce Szabo, who was there from the first day she arrived at UNM in 1997; Dr. Ray Hernández-Durán, whose indefatigable energy and passion has kept her going; Dr. David Craven (sadly, no longer with us), who both intimidated and inspired her intellect; Dr. Jim Frideres from the University of Calgary, a beloved advocate who is still pushing her to explore new territories; Metis artist Bob Boyer, the one who started her on this long academic journey in the first place; and Margaret Archuleta—who passed away in March of this year—always there, always loved. Finally, Albuquerque has become a second home. Thank you to the Popejoy Award committee for seeing the potential and substance of a dissertation that defines the nature of work to which Suzanne currently focuses; that is, a retelling of history and aesthetics through the lens of those most impacted by colonization, the Indigenous person.