If you’re wondering what the UCP has been up to over the last six years and why the situation in schools is so dire, here is some information to help you gain a better understanding.
None of this is an accident. Since 2019, we’ve watched a clear playbook from the UCP - lower per‑student funding, reintroduce fees to families, weaken student protections, shift money and students into private/“independent” routes, centralize control, and undermine the teaching profession.
Happy World Teachers Day 🙃
That’s a wrap on another awesome summer co-teaching “EDU 560: Honouring Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being, and Doing in Literacy Learning” with Dr. Trudy Cardinal AKA Docs Mocs / @kokom_t !
Grateful to be part of another Summer Institure alongside a thoughtful group of teachers and principals. One of my favorite parts is watching each student bead their own strawberry pin. It’s always cool to see the variations in their creations and how it’s reflects their unique learning (and unlearning) experience. 🍓
Special thanks to @atepualberta for letting us use the ATEP Kitchen as a classroom for the last 2 weeks! 🙌🏼
Couple of big (and unrelated) life updates:
1. I found out in April that I was awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for my research proposal titled “Big auntie energy: Storying sâkihitowin and experiences of Indigenous aunties as a pathway for reimagining and rematriating educational practices.” I’m still reeling a little bit but grateful for the support as I prepare for my candidacy exam in the Fall and hope to start research in the Spring.
2. I’ve resigned from my position as Associate Vice-President, Indigenous at UNBC. It’s hard to believe that I’m leaving a job after just six months, but sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions and you have to trust your instincts. Working in Indigenous-focused roles at universities for the past few years has been a massive emotional undertaking. The work can be incredibly demoralizing at times, but I’ve also seen how deeply impactful it can be. This wasn’t a decision I made hastily, and I know it’s the right choice even if it’s hard. As I approach my last day at UNBC (Friday!), I’m grateful for the opportunity I had and for the connections I made with some brilliant people in Northern BC. I’ve learned a lot about myself, what I’m capable of, and also what I believe can and should be possible.
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Now that I’m back in Edmonton, I’ve been spending a lot of time with Noah and it’s reminded me how/why I ended up on the topic of aunties for my research. I’m grateful for all the learning I get to do beside him, even if it’s just the reminder to slow down and look at the clouds or say hi to the bugs. ❤️
13 Moons Winter Counts
The interior features beadwork by @katlin_adele_art , while the exterior displays the ribbon skirts I crafted for the women in our class.
I love the way they look together, and I love that every person who took the class represented their learning in a way that was unique to them and their gifts. ❤️🌖
Sending love and support to all transgender, gender diverse, and 2Spirit youth and community members. Despite the shadows that seek to obscure your brilliance, your light remains strong and powerful. Never doubt that.
A little life update, with as assist from my adorable nephew, haha.
The paperwork’s been signed and the announcement has gone out at the university, so I think I’m safe to share on the ‘gram that I’ve accepted a new position at UNBC (University of Northern British Columbia) as the inaugural Associate Vice-President, Indigenous!
I’m heading into my last week as an employee at the UofA, and I’ll start at UNBC in December after this semester ends. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but I’m excited and grateful for this new opportunity.
I’m not sure how little man feels about aunty moving to Prince George, but he sure loves his new UNBC hoody. ❤️
All I ever wanted when I was young was to be like my cousin Jess. She was 6 years older than me and I thought she was the coolest and most beautiful person ever and spent many days copying her and following her around (like in these pictures). I wasn’t the only one - my sister Mady & my cousin Taylor both reminded me of how they used to fight over being called Jessica when they played pretend because they both wanted to be like her.
Whatever struggles she had as we got older, I loved her and worried about her. I‘m heartbroken to imagine an earthly world she’s not part of, but I know grandma was there to meet her girl as she crossed into the spirit world. 💜
If you can, please say a prayer for our family as we process this loss, especially my Uncle Wade.
Love you, Jess. 💜
(I posted this on Facebook last night & really contemplated whether I wanted to share here. Ultimately, I just want people to know that she was loved and cared for, and her memory won’t be forgotten.)
In March 2021, I did two things that impacted the trajectory of my life. The first was applying to my Masters and the second was applying to a job with the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP).
When I was accepted to the Masters program, I made Andrew drive with me to campus to take a picture to celebrate & somehow settled on this dystopian nightmare. 😂
Finishing up my Masters capping paper right now and I’m reflecting on the last two years. I have a lot of gratitude for how things have unfolded, the people I’ve encountered, the experiences I’ve had, and the path forward.
March 2023 and I’ve been accepted to a PhD program and I’m starting a new position as Indigenous Strategies Manager in the Office of the Vice Provost (Indigenous Programming & Research).
Lots more learning and growth ahead 🌱
Happy Valentines Day! 💌😝
First attempts at Adobe Illustrator, inspired by the old school Sweethearts conversation hearts, and my friend Summer’s deadly sense of humour lol (@nipinsharphead ).
I’m feeling a little under the weather today, and not up for taking new pictures haha, but wanted to acknowledge #NationalRibbonSkirtDay
I want to start by thanking Jody Kootenay, who was the first person to gift me a skirt. Her generosity rippled outwards and catalyzed me to learn to sew.
Less than a year ago, I bought a sewing machine and asked Noella Steinhauer (@wdrygoods ) to teach me & some of the other ATEP ladies how to make our own ribbon skirts. I’m beyond grateful that she said yes.
Over the last 8 months I’ve been able to sew skirts with and for many people I admire, love, and appreciate. It’s become less about the skirt itself, and more about setting aside time to acknowledge the amazing people in my life.
Here’s to more skirts, more connections, and more love in the year(s) ahead. ❤️
