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Indigenous

Image of Shelley holding the Medicine Wheel
Blog
Balancing Act: Indigenous Teachings in Modern Career Journeys

Join Shelley in discovering the profound impact of Indigenous wisdom on understanding mental wellness, making career decisions, and navigating life paths.

Sarah Rain
Blog
Indigenous Studies Alumnus Sarah Rain's Journey of Self- Discovery

As a single mom, providing her young daughter with a bright future motivated Sarah Rain to work towards her degree, while also navigating the challenges of work, life, and parenthood.

Audrey Heath posing in front of a red mosaic
Blog
Communicating Indigenous Narratives

As the Communications Program Assistant at the Indigenous Student Centre at SFU it is my job to create content to share with students that not only promote our programs, but foster community. Read more to find out how it went!

Drums
Blog
My Journey Back to the Drum: My Heart Beat and My Soul

When women return to the drum, this is when our nations begin to heal

poster calling out justice for Colten and Tina
Blog
We Deserve More

We deserve more and so do our Indigenous youth. The justification of our suffering needs to stop.

A photo of a group of people gathered together for orange shirt day
Blog
Orange Shirt Day: Remembering the Horrors of Residential Schools

Three SFU students reflect on their experience as volunteers at the City of Surrey's commemoration of Orange Shirt Day.

Indigenous Event Photo
Blog
SFU Indigenous Day: Celebrating Knowledge and Culture

On September 28th, the First Nations Student Association (FNSA) hosted the third annual SFU Indigenous Day. An event that brings together students, faculty, artists and community members to celebrate Indigenous culture. 

Grad Aboriginal Entrance Scholarship winner
Blog
SFU's Indigenous Graduate Entrance Scholarship

The Aboriginal Entrance Scholarship is definitely worth all its cracked up to be.

Marlana and her family
Blog
Indigenous Career Journey Stories: Marlana “Kaneratenhawi” Thompson-Baker

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. Read Marlana's story of hard work and determination!

Book cover of I am Woman
Blog
Indigenous Literature Series: Lee Maracle

Read about Indigenous scholar and author, Lee Maracle's book, "I Am Woman".

Book cover of Iskwewak
Blog
Indigenous Literature Series: Janice Acoose

A summary of Janice Acoose's trail blazing book, Iskwewak kah’Ki Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak: Neither Indian Princess Nor Easy Squaw.

Women sitting among trees
Blog
Environmental Consciousness and the Media

Environmental justice and climate change; taking a look at how we communicate about it and how we might change our worldview in an effort to stop the destruction of the planet.  

Tracy smiling
Blog
Student Success Story: Tracy Ned

"I will continue to encourage students out there to dream and that its okay to be scared but don’t’ let that fear hold you back." Read Tracy's story of determination, will and understanding oneself. 

Kayla in cap and gown
Blog
Student Success Story: Kayla Mitchell

"Just do it! If you get invested in your education you want to continue, and the rewards are extraordinary! Even when it is hard, you continue to do it. I’ve learned so much since starting, it’s phenomenal." Read Kayla's story of hard work and determination.

Carmen smiling
Blog
Student Success Story: Carmen van Soest

"I hope to be someone that other Indigenous youth can look up to, and a person that others can count on in my everyday life. And hopefully I can get into Law school so I can help Indigenous peoples fight for their rights." Read Carmen's story of overcoming adversity, and their reason for continuing their education. 

Portrait of Brian
Blog
Files of Uncertainty #1

FILES OF UNCERTAINTY #1: To Bear witness, the open musings of a Metis Student trying to understand her rage when Brian Bowman only half admitted his culture. 

malcolm smiling near a tent
Blog
Student Success Story: Malcolm Key

"I currently hold a diploma from College; however, I have just enrolled into University to acquire a degree. My mom received her Master’s at 52 and so I’m now 48 and it’s my turn to go back to school!" Read Malcom's story of understanding his Indigenous status, and continuing his education.

Karen smiling
Blog
Student Success Story: Karen Johnson

"My proudest moment was being the first of a class of 12 from NEC to graduate at SFU. There are so many obstacles one must crawl over to get a degree especially being an older student" Read Karen's story of overcoming obstacles and rising to success. 

Sheryl and family
Blog
Student Success Story: Sheryl Thompson

"My big picture goal is to work in policy to strengthen the health and well being of Aboriginal Peoples by working to combine Aboriginal children, families, communities and health into a single concept that is so interconnected that they can not be teased apart to be treated as independent entities." Read Sheryl's story of determination, and continuing her education as an adult and mother.

Barry smiling
Blog
Barry Vickers

University, many people once told me, is the best time of your life. Yes, there is something to be said about being broke and stressed out with deadlines and exams.

Aboriginal Community equity services logo; a red turtle
Blog
Betsy Turtle Bruyere

Meet Betsy Turtle Bruyere, an entrepreneur and educator who understands the value of hard-work and determination. Read their story, as they share their journey growing up, overcoming adversity, and exploring different careers in education in order to uplift other indigenous peoples and communities. 

Aboriginal Logo
Blog
Graduate Aboriginal Scholarships Attract Diverse Scholars

The successful applicants for the 2014 Graduate Aboriginal Entrance Scholarships were Jordan Abel and Christina Coolidge. They are exploring different aspects of Aboriginal storytelling.

Michelle smiling
Blog
Michelle Corfield

Work hard nothing in life is easy, be honest to yourself and others and maintain your principles and values. Read Michelle's story of determination, hard-work and success. 

Deboarah smiling
Blog
Deborah Jeffery

“I always return to the words of Indigenous scholar, Eber Hampton, that we need to design an education system ‘worthy of our ancestors and our children,’” Read Deboarah's story of continuing education, determination and a drive to give back to the community.

David in traditional clothing during a powwow
Blog
David Neel, Jeweler and Artist

David Neel of the Kwakiutl tribe has been making Native design jewelry for 25 years. He descends from a family of first nations aritsts, including: Ellen Neel, Mungo Martin and Charlie James. A multi-media artist, David Neel makes rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets, in addition to Canadian Aboriginal art, such as masks, totem poles, paddles, bentwood boxes and paintings under the David Neel Studio. Here is an interview with him about his jounrey to become an independently employed artist and jeweler.  

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