Lee identifies as a Nēhiyaw Philosopher Queen and Indigenous Feminist. Her interests lie with anti-poverty advocacy, Indigenous rights, sovereignty, colonialism and how this history has shaped Canadian institutions. During her interview she mentions that Canadian university classrooms are frequently hostile spaces for Indigenous students citing the pervasive racism, colonialism, and patriarchy in lectures, readings, and assignments. Lee draws inspiration from women such as Rinnelle Harper, an Indigenous Winnipeg teen who survived a vicious attack and who is now bravely speaking out on missing and murdered Indigenous women. As a feminist, Lee believes that the way Indigenous women sex workers are viewed in our society needs to be challenged. Conversations about sex work should rest on an acknowledgment of the colonial history of the places these discussions are happening and she calls for a more open dialogue. Photo credit: Jacqueline Li
