Meet our Indigenous student champions
Emma Wood, a BSN student, represents Indigenous and nursing students in the Student Association.
“My name is Emma. 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 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 also celebrating and sharing our culture and traditions and fostering strong connections.”
Isaiah Reynolds is a member of Stellat’en First Nation and is enrolled full-time in the Ecological Restoration BSc program at BCIT.
“Hadith, my name is Isaiah Reynolds; being born and raised in northern British Columbia with my community of Dakelh people in Stellat’en has given me the opportunity to be able to learn traditional knowledge from my elders and family within the community about fisheries and the natural world. The values and teachings I was taught growing up in my home community are what I’m bringing to BCIT as an Indigenous champion. Helping other Indigenous students attending BCIT succeed at school is very important to me as I see the need for more Indigenous people in every work field to be represented more and become leaders in them as well.”
Jaylen Base-Smith finished his Financial Advising diploma and began his Marketing Management program this fall.
“My name is Jaylen. I am Tłı̨chǫ from the Northwest Territories. I became an Indigenous Champion because I want to bring awareness to The Gathering Place and contribute to the Indigenous representation at BCIT. I want to welcome students into this space and help them adapt to their BCIT academic journey. I also want to strengthen and grow in my Indigenous background because I grew up without truly experiencing my culture, so I want to connect with my identity as an Indigenous person.”
Rianna Whitelaw is a member of the Metis Nation of British Columbia. They study Marketing Management here at BCIT, and are currently enrolled in the 2nd Year Entrepreneurship Option.
“When I was looking for a post-secondary institution to attend, the Indigenous Services team here at BCIT was so warm and welcoming, and they were a huge part of why I picked this school. I’m so glad that I get to share that community with new and prospective students. Getting people excited and engaged in their learning is what I love most about being an Indigenous Champion. ”
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.
