Fleming College

From my previous year as a Bishkaa mentee, I realized the importance in support and resources that help students like myself. Bishkaa provides a safe space for Indigenous students, by giving them positive involvement in a community. The Bishkaa program connects us to our Indigenous roots and it helps ground ourselves into our new surroundings. To me, being a part of Bishkaa and taking on this leadership role is important because I want to create a meaningful experience for these Indigenous students. Through traditional teachings, elders, and workshops, I hope to make their first year a welcoming one. I would like to see them connect and create good memories in the time spent together.

Adrianne Sutherland-Gagnon - Ecosystem Management Technologist student, Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Treaty 9

I wanted to be a Bishkaa mentor because I wanted to be able to help my fellow students, be culturally aware, immerse myself in my culture, and integrate what I have learned in the Paralegal program and the Indigenous gen eds I have taken. I believe there is more we can do in reconciliation and more we can do to grow, so being able to grow as an individual and as a community.

Dylan-John Garton - Paralegal student, Ojibway Curve Lake

I took the opportunity to be a Bishkaa mentor to help students get a step ahead, because it helped me when I was a mentee. And whether that step is friendship, academic, community… whatever that ‘step ahead’ is to each student, it helps. And for me personally, taking on a leadership role will help me prepare for my future.

Mkons Stone-Debassige - General Arts and Science – University Transfer, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Treaty 29