The Indigenous Community Advocacy has changed my life by providing me with a deeper understanding of how our government works, the history of Indigenous-Canadian relations, and the motivates behind community development initiatives. I have acquired skills and knowledge that have helped me not only in the work field, but also in my pursuit of higher education.
Why I Chose Confederation College
I chose Confederation College because the people that I know who have graduated from a Confederation College program have all had very positive experiences.
How Confederation College Has Changed My life
I began college nervous and insecure. I was unsure of what my strengths were, or what I wanted. I left college knowing what my skills are, feeling confident in my abilities and knowing how I can utilize my skills and abilities to contribute to society in a positive way.
My Most Positive Experience or Memory of Confederation College
My most positive experience Confederation College was working with my class to produce a video about what it means to be an Indigenous advocate. The video is posted on the Indigenous Community Advocacy page on the Confederation College website and I am very proud of it.
A Teacher Who Made a Difference
Jana-Rae Yerxa is the Program Coordinator and was the professor for many of my classes. Her knowledge is vast, her passionate teaching style is inspiring, and her fierce disposition is infectious. It was because of her that I now feel confident in my Indigenous identity and it was because of her that I enjoyed and excelled in the Indigenous Community Advocacy program.
Your Employment Perspectives My Job & Job Responsibilities
Upon graduation from Confederation College I obtained a summer position at a women's advocacy organization, where I had previously done my internship placement. My job responsibilities were supporting women in whatever their needs were such as, filling out various types of applications, referring women to other organizations that specialize in their specific needs, and working with various community organizations to produce community development strategies that help to empower vulnerable community members. Since then I have returned to school to further my education.
What Brings Me the Greatest Satisfaction From My Job
My time at the women's advocacy organization gave me great satisfaction in knowing that I was assisting women in empowering themselves and helping to make my community a safer place for women in general.
How Confederation College Has Prepared Me for Work in the Field
Indigenous Community Advocacy has prepared me for work in my field by teaching me how to develop my writing skills, how to properly fill out applications and write proposals. The Indigenous Community Advocacy program has also taught me the history of Indigenous peoples in relation to the Canadian state which is crucial knowledge to hold when being an Indigenous advocate or ally.
My Advice for Someone Considering this Program or Career Path
I would advise anyone considering taking the Indigenous Advocacy program to go into it with an open mind and be prepared to see yourself, society and your position in it from a very different perspective after you come out of the program.
The Most Sought-After Qualifications & Talents That Employers are Currently Seeking in this Field of Work
My most sought-after talents that employers are currently seeking are my writing skills and ability to bring an Indigenous perspective to given situations.
My Sense of the Current Job Market Conditions in my Field of Work
The current job market conditions in my field of work is plentiful. The Indigenous Community Advocacy program prepares you to be qualified to work in a wide variety of sectors from Government, to social service, to legal support services. Indigenous Community Advocacy had prepared me to work in any field that works with Indigenous individuals, communities or both.
My Personal Success Highlights
Indigenous Community Advocacy has helped me to create a strong foundation that I can successfully build on in multiple different ways. While I was working in my field, I felt confident in the skills and abilities that I brought to the table. In my pursuit of higher education, I felt confident that I came in with valuable knowledge that has strengthened my position as a student and has helped to insure my success. In existing in the world as an Indigenous woman, I feel confident and unabashed in my experience and identity. Indigenous Community Advocacy has fostered my belief in my capabilities, and has allowed me to utilize my acquired skills in a way the serves me emotionally, spiritually, and financially.