As CNC joins others in marking National Indigenous Peoples Day, we sought to reflect but also to inspire.
CNC is honoured to work with the Aboriginal people in this region, inclusive of the First Nations, Mètis and Inuit peoples. We acknowledge the graciousness of the First Nations peoples in welcoming those who are seeking knowledge on their traditional unceded territories. CNC serves 22 First Nations communities.
Comments yesterday from Executive Director of Aboriginal Education Marlene Erickson and tomorrow by President and CEO Dr. Dennis Johnson focus on reflection about recent events and the need for meaningful reconciliation.
To inspire students, CNC turned to several Aboriginal advisers and liaisons at the college’s six campuses. They have individually worked very hard to further their education. They now support prospective students in determining paths to success.
We asked them to help us with a few questions for students considering further education....
What inspires you about supporting students?
Lynne Gayan is part of CNC’s Lakes District Campus
My inspiration in working with students comes from a desire to connect with and understand the uniqueness of each individual. Developing a meaningful and respectful relationship creates an encouraging and productive learning environment.
When we foster respectful relationships and embrace diversity, it creates a “ripple effect” in that students will often gain confidence in themselves and show their support to classmates and peers.
Sarah John, Nechako Campus
Students themselves inspire me to do better, support better and to act...which is right now, not tomorrow or the next day. Aboriginal students often live in the moment and their needs are immediate. There is a sense of urgency that is unlike that of mainstream society.
When the students see me working hard to accommodate their needs they are inspired to Give back in return, which is their successful completion and transition to further education or to the workforce. I am inspired by story-telling with the students, navigating untrekked grounds in education which is a reality for many of our students and leaping over the multiple barriers to success together is what I love to do.
What’s the best thing a college education can offer a student?
Andrea Morrison is the Aboriginal Advisor/Liaison at CNC’s Mackenzie Campus. Andrea is Cree and from the Driftpile Cree Nation in Northern Alberta.
A college education can offer many things to a student. While education is the obvious, it can bring so much more.
A college education can bring friendship, pride, confidence, strength, a sense of belonging, trust and it builds a foundation for the future.
College is what you make of it. If you put the time in, you will succeed.
What would you like a potential student to know?
Lori Gagnon is an Aboriginal Advisor at CNC’s Quesnel Campus. She is a member of the Métis Nation of BC, and her family comes from Duck Lake, Saskatchewan.
I did not come from parents who were wealthy, or attended post-secondary. I didn’t start my educational journey until I was married with children as a mature student.
I had to navigate this new life without someone’s guidance. I worked full time and it was a roller coaster. Finally, I started getting curious and asking questions which turned into opportunities.
Make it your business to ask questions from staff at the College. It is our business to share knowledge and provide pathways for success.
Dawn George is the Aboriginal Student Advisor of the Aboriginal Resource Centre at CNC for the Prince George Campus. She is a Carrier-Sekani member from Takla First Nation and a member of the Lusilyoo (Frog) Clan.
Students can attain their certificates, diplomas or degrees if they are willing, dedicated, determined and committed to school.
A college education gives your credits for life skills and the confidence to go out in the workforce knowing that you have achieved the minimum requirements. The most important thing I would like students to know is that it does take sacrifice.
See Also
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day: a reflection
Marlene Erickson, Executive Director of Aboriginal Education at CNC reflects on the day and the path to reconciliation.
Read More