Meet our Indigenous student champions
Emma Wood, a BSN student, represents Indigenous and nursing students in the Student Association.
“Hi! My name is Emma, and I am one of the Indigenous students here at BCIT in the nursing program. I became a Champion because I am deeply committed to helping Indigenous students succeed and feel supported as they transition into postsecondary education. I understand how valuable it is to have guidance and access to resources, and I want to be a source of support, encouragement, and connection for new students. Through my role as a Champion, I hope to help others build confidence in their academic journey while celebrating and sharing our culture and traditions and fostering strong connections.”
Ambrose Williams is a Gitxsan student from Vancouver completing the Nonprofit Management and Marketing Management programs at BCIT and entering the Executive Pathways stream toward his BBA.
“For years I’ve worked in governance, youth mentorship, remote operations, and policy advocacy, including municipal, provincial, and federal forums. Much of my work has focused on strengthening off-reserve Indigenous representation and supportingcommunities without formal recognition in existing systems. Studying at BCIT has helped me bring that experience into an institutional context. As a Peer Champion, I want to help Indigenous students feel grounded, supported, and confident in their own paths.”
Tanya Steinauer (she/her), 1st year, Ecological Restoration BSc Program
After five years as an Assistant Director in Vancouver’s film and TV industry, I made the switch to environmental studies because I could see what was happening on the landscape and wanted to affect positive, enduring change. Having completed the Forest and Natural Areas Management (FNAM) diploma this past spring, I’ve learned to navigate the many facets of being a student at BCIT. I’m thrilled to be a Peer Champion this year and greatly look forward to offering new Indigenous students support in their learning journeys. I think it’s important that students can connect with peer support since we can relate to their experiences and encourage them to succeed in whichever ways are meaningful to them.
What is an Indigenous student champion?
An Indigenous student champion is a guide and knowledgeable resource who assists fellow students (Indigenous mentees) in developing strategies for success in their post-secondary education.
A peer champion is a senior student (second semester and above) who is available to give their time and apply their skills to impact a new student’s post-secondary experience positively.
What is an Indigenous mentee?
An Indigenous mentee is a first-year student matched with an Indigenous student champion in their program area. A peer champion will help mentees with organization, study skills, and access to information about their program and student life at BCIT.
Mentoring is becoming more popular in post-secondary institutions. Individuals who receive peer mentoring support are more likely to adapt well to post-secondary life, succeed academically, and persist until graduation.
See also: Peer to Peer Mentorship Program Booklet [PDF]
Why become an Indigenous student champion?
- Develops leadership and communication skills, transferable to future employment settings
- Serves as an excellent experience to include on your resume
- Mentors will receive an “Indigenous Initiative Certificate of Achievement” in mentoring
- Opportunities to network and develop new friendships
- Can make a difference in the life of a new student
Why become an Indigenous mentee?
- Helps with your first-year transition at BCIT
- Makes your BCIT experience successful
- Easy access to answers about your program and life at BCIT
- Opportunities to network and meet new people
Questions about the Indigenous Student Champion program? Contact us.
