Julie Payette shares experiences as astronaut, answers student questions on Indigenous issues

THUNDER BAY – Governor General Julie Payette visited Dennis Franklin Cromarty high school Tuesday to give a talk and answer student questions. Payette told students her improbable journey to becoming an astronaut shows that following one’s dreams can pay off, with a little hard work.

After her talk, students showed interest in her experience as an astronaut, but also asked Payette several harder questions on crown-Indigenous relations.

Payette met with elders at the First Nations-operated school before addressing the student assembly. She praised the school’s approach, citing its trades courses and elders room.

Payette served as chief astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency from 2000 to 20007, and participated in two missions to the International Space Station, in 1999 and 2009.

In her talk, she shared pictures and videos from her time on the station. Payette said when she first dreamed of spaceflight, it was a field dominated by men with and English-speakers, but that she hadn’t let that hold her back.

“As a minority, you always end up being a bit more scrutinized,” she told the group.

But Payette said her experience taught her those kinds of barriers could be overcome with hard work and determination.

Dobi-Dawn Frenette, Director of Education with the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, which operates DFC, said it was an inspirational message that could resonate with students from northern communities who have to overcome barriers of their own in pursuing their goals.

“I think there’s a lot to be learned from somebody who goes into a career that’s not normally for females, having those challenges but still going ahead,” she said.

In a question and answer period after the talk, one DFC student asked Payette her thoughts on the fact so many First Nations students had to leave their homes to pursue education.

“It is an unfortunate aspect of Canada, which is so big, that we don’t have major cities everywhere,” the Governor General responded. “But going away from home, especially if you intend to come back and contribute to your community, can also be a good thing. I went away for school when I was 16 – it was my choice, not something that I had to do. I went to a school in Britain to study, because it opens up your horizons. So even if there are situations in which it might be difficult, there’s always something positive.”

Asked her opinion on current treaty relations in Canada, Payette told students major decisions on the issue are made by elected officials, saying that makes it important for students to get involved and vote.

Payette is in Thunder Bay Tuesday and Wednesday for the Special Olympics Canada winter games.