Congratulations on graduating! What program did you take?
Thanks! I graduated from the Social Service Worker University Transfer program, so I’m not done quite yet, but I’ll be continuing my studies at MacEwan University in September. Going through the UT program gives me the option to keep going
in my studies and further the people I work with.
How does it feel to officially be a CNC graduate?
I feel really accomplished. I really do. Looking back on my journey at the college and realizing how far I’ve come has been huge. When I first started, I wasn’t very advanced at things like writing. I knew I could always go to the instructors
and ask for advice or clarification, and by the end I was writing multiple papers at once. I just feel really proud of myself for making the most of it.
You came to CNC as a mature student. What made you decide to pursue education at this point in your life?
I guess you could say I had a spiritual awakening when I was about 26. I just felt like I wanted to do more in life, and I could see it from a whole different perspective. I had a dream in my heart to help people, do something good for myself, and make
a change for my friends.
At convocation you were recognized with the Lieutenant Governor Medal for Inclusion, Democracy & Reconciliation. What does that mean to you?
My girlfriend and I actually had a conversation about that. She’s always been my biggest supporter. She’s seen my heartbreak, my stress, my tears – so she thought it was amazing to see my hard work pay off.
For me, I see the award as a blessing. A lot of the time nobody knows what you’re doing to help people. I’ve never been the person to shout it from the rooftops. But slowly it all adds up, and I guess people start to notice.
While you were a student at CNC, you worked with the PG Urban Aboriginal Justice Society, the food bank, the healing lodge, and the student union. Why were those initiatives so important to you?
First of all for me is always my faith, and then it’s just wanting to help others. I have a passion for helping at-risk youth, because that used to be me.
There’s a lot of hurt among young people in my home reservations – my home communities. A lot of it comes from growing up in broken families, or having traumatic childhoods. It’s really easy to be in those situations, be out late and
get up to no good. You can find yourself in trouble pretty easily.
I was able to make a game plan for myself and get out, so I know I can make a difference for others because of what I’ve experienced in my own life.
You’re off to Alberta to finish your social worker degree. Do you have any idea what you want to do with your degree once you finish?
I actually have a five-year plan for myself. After I graduate with my degree, I want to open my own restorative justice society – similar to what exists in Prince George – but on the outskirts of Edmonton. I want it to be a positive place
where people can be connected with the land and get away from the city and the reservation.
It’s the perfect spot because it’s the hub of so many First Nations communities. I want to incorporate a bunch of supports in one facility, with lots of them geared towards youth.
In your convocation speech, you talked about the Aboriginal Resource Centre (ARC) being your family away from home. How did they support you?
It was tough coming to CNC from Saskatchewan, because I was going to be so far from my family and friends, but the ARC has been so welcoming and tolerant. Everyone is eager to help you, engage with you, and connect you with resources.
It’s like being at home. I can put my lunch in there in the morning, say hi to everyone, and come back when it works in my day. Sometimes we talk to each other, but sometimes it’s nice to just have a space to be quiet. There’s no expectations
– everyone’s always got big smiles and they’re just happy to see you.
At the end of your speech, you told your fellow graduates “no matter what, never stop grinding.” What does that mean to you?
Everybody I graduated with knows what that means! No matter what, you have to keep going. Whether it’s your classes, your part time job, or even a second job. You keep going and do every little thing you can to keep pursuing this education.
It’s remembering on those days that feel like a never-ending treadmill that it’s worth it. If you keep going, you can pursue whatever goals you set for your education and your career.
What advice do you wish someone gave you five, ten years ago?
Find those one, two, or three people who will never give up on you, no matter what, and keep them close. The people that will be there for you, even if you’re at rock bottom. Try not to hurt them, because those are going to be the people that pull
you out when you decide to change.
When you’re ready to change, you’ll see a world full of opportunity.
Watch Darian's full convocation speech below: