What is your initiative?
My initiative seeks to break down the barriers that exist between Indigenous communities and universities. It creates a welcoming and inclusive program for Indigenous children, offering them early exposure to university life in a positive and engaging way. Through learning, sport, food, and cultural activities, the program helps build familiarity, confidence, and connection with post-secondary spaces, planting the seeds for future success and belonging.
What is your connection to your chosen community?
As an Indigenous woman who started university without a strong connection to her culture, and has been slowly learning, I often struggled with a sense of belonging. Growing up with limited access to cultural knowledge, I didn’t always see myself reflected in academic spaces. This experience fuels my passion to support the next generations of Indigenous youth. I want them to know they do belong in university, in leadership, and in spaces where our voices, stories, and culture deserve to be seen and celebrated.
What are you looking forward to this year?
There are no words to describe how excited I am for this year. To have the privilege to enhance the Mini U program for the children, to continue my own cultural learning, and to see how far we all will come.