Austin College organist Lisa Thomas has begun her work as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Alberta, where she serves as The Fulbright Visiting Research Chair in Arts and Humanities. Through Fulbright Canada, she will research, collect, and catalogue ancient musical elements of the North American indigenous people.
She reports she is settling in and making needed contacts for her work. Her office is located in the Indigenous Studies Building, which includes First Nation faculty. She has attended at peace pipe ceremony, is adjusting to the cold temperatures, and has met representatives of several indigenous groups.
Thomas is shown in her building with a painting by Aaron Paquette, a well-known First Nation Metis personality who is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, artist, and cathedral stained glass artist.