As CNC joins others in marking National Indigenous Peoples Day, we sought inspiration from CNC’s Aboriginal advisors and liaisons.
CNC is honoured to work with the Aboriginal people in this region, inclusive of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. We acknowledge the graciousness of the First Nations peoples in welcoming those who are seeking knowledge on their traditional un-ceded territories. CNC serves 22 First Nations communities.
We are privileged to have advisers and liaisons at CNC’s six campuses. While their work varies between locations, their roles focus on supporting students, providing resources for student success, and helping the CNC community better understand the communities we serve.
What inspired you to become an advisor or liaison?
Rhonda Pierreroy is CNC’s Aboriginal student success advisor at the Prince George Campus. She is Lusilyoo clan with the frog as her crest. She is a member of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and was born and raised in Prince George.
What inspired me to become an advisor was being someone students could look to for support on a regular basis. Working as an advisor at CNC felt like a natural progression for me after 13 years in a support role with School District 57.
I understand how important the role is when a student seeks support and do my best to help them feel supported which will help build confidence and leads to success.
Everyone deserves to feel supported.
What do you enjoy about supporting students along their journey?
Stephanie Jack is an Aboriginal student navigator at the Prince George Campus. She is Cree Métis, and was born in High Prairie, Alberta. Her family name ties are Strong, Desjarlais, Bellam, and Cardinal. She has been a student at CNC and a participant in the CNC Students’ Union.
As your Aboriginal student navigator, it is my job to help you get started on your college experience.
I enjoy the feeling that you get when a student tells you that you’ve helped them feel more confident going to school. Being there to help them and ask what they needed to be successful is something that I enjoy.
Trying to figure out how the school system works can add stress when students have to focus on studies. I want to help them alleviate some of that stress and make sure that they understand what is necessary to be successful in post-secondary education.
Can you talk about advice you have offered to 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.
I often have students who have come to me that come from a family that offers them little to no support when it comes to them wanting to further their own education. They have nowhere to turn when it comes to support or advice.
I tell them I can be that person for them and will gladly assist them on their educational journey!
Part of CNC’s lulh whuts’oduteleh | Learning Together Strategic Plan speaks of inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders. How can we collectively do that?
Lori Gagnon Dunphy is an Aboriginal advisor at CNC’s Quesnel Campus. Her family originates from Duck Lake and Batoche, Saskatchewan, homeland of the Métis.
I believe we all need to find the courage to identify and act on the challenges and barriers which will help break us out of current routines. Working with open doors, hiring more Indigenous staff/faculty, and building student/staff relationships will help retain our students, so the next generation of Indigenous leaders are not first-generation students.
It’s important to be honest and accountable when speaking. Words are powerful and should be used to as the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould says to, “inform, encourage and uplift.”
What provides you optimism as we mark National Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Frieda Prince is the Aboriginal liaison coordinator for CNC’s Nechako campuses (Fort St. James and Vanderhoof). She is a member of Nak’azdli Whut’en and belongs to lhtsumusyoo (Beaver Clan). She has four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Throughout my life I have been very fortunate to have good jobs and excellent supports in any venture I have undertaken. My roles have been many and varied, from being an early childhood educator to my current position as the Aboriginal liaison coordinator for CNC Nechako.
I see many reasons for optimism. We are at a time when we, as Indigenous people, are no longer the silent minority. Although some people have the “pan-Indian” mindset, most regard Indigenous Nations as potential cohorts or partners, recognizing the goal of equity and equality is within reach.
Indigenous are ensuring that historic misdeeds are addressed and a plan is in place to begin correcting past injustices and misdeeds. Yes, we can stand side-by-side in the future with the knowledge that everyone came into the circle without preconceived notions about another.
How will you be marking National Indigenous Peoples Day?
Tansy Benedict is part of the Cree Nation and a proud member of the Métis Nation of BC. She has worked in Aboriginal education for 18 years and joined the CNC Lakes District Campus in October 2021 as an Aboriginal advisor/liaison and wellness coach.
Plans are underway with the help of my team here at CNC Lakes so that we can celebrate and honour all Indigenous Peoples of our nation with a focus on the local Indigenous cultures of the six nations in the Burns Lake territories as well.
For the first year ever, our CNC Lakes team will plan, create and ride on our own float as part of our communities’ National Indigenous People’s Day festivities. The float’s theme will honour all National Indigenous Peoples as well as Indigenous peoples, cultures and traditions of our local communities.
We have a very diverse team of keen folks here at CNC Lakes, and it has been extremely uplifting to see everyone come together so eagerly to assist in the planning, and to be so enthusiastic with the involvement in National Indigenous Peoples Day here in Burns Lake.