Shandy Bearman, Researcher

Shandy Bearman
Researcher
(she/her/they)

I a settler of Irish, and Scottish descent living on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. My roots are in the unceded Syilx (Okanagan) territory, the land that first shaped my understanding of home.

Navigating the healthcare system as an AYA cancer patient led me to Anew. I have been privileged to apply my background in Visual Arts to the research in co-creating systems that work with the people they serve through elevating perspectives that often go unheard. I am working to de-center colonial and hierarchical narratives within myself and my professional practices.

During cancer treatment in the pandemic, meandering walks in my neighbourhood became an important grounding and connecting practice. When I am not wandering, I can be found curled up with a cat and a good book.