Indigenous Career Journey Stories: Marlana “Kaneratenhawi” Thompson-Baker

Nation or affiliation: 

Akwesasne Mohawk Nation

Where did you grow up? 

Akwesasne, which is located on the Ontario, Quebec and New York State border.

When did you learn to bead? 

I learned how to sew and bead and make regalia from all the aunts in my family each had a specialty, I also come from a long line of basket weavers 

Write a brief timeline of your schooling experience. 

I went to school on the reserve, and then High school off reserve. I went to St. Lawrence and got a degree in Business Admin and Marketing, I also took some classes at Algonquin in Ottawa for fashion design.

Share your experience of finding funding  

All My funding for schooling was through AMBE ( Akwesasne Board of Education) and the Akwesasne Area Management Board. 

Share a time when you wanted to quit. 

I wanted to quit, several times when my kids were sick and I had a big work and school load (I worked fulltime at our casino , while I went to school full time with 2 toddlers). But after talking to my professors I was able to make a schedule that worked for all of us

Share your proudest moment. 

My proudest moments is when I see my work dancing in a powwow

Where are you currently in respect to your education? 

I have a Business Admin and Marketing, a Degree in Fashion design

And a degree in construction Management

What has been your most important lesson returning to school? 

Time management, a good baby sitter and coffee 

What advice do you have to offer other Indigenous students? 

Never give up on your dreams  ~ and tailor your schooling to suit your career needs ~ after starting my schooling in fashion design, my professor explained, learn the things you don't know, don't waste your time learning what you already know and don't waste time reinventing the wheel

What are your goals for the future? 

More business, and more time with my family