Wenonah North Peigan is Blackfoot from her father’s side and a member of the Piikani Nation located in Treaty 7 territory in Southern Alberta. On her mom’s side she is Anishinaabe from the Wikwemikoong Unceded Nation in Ontario. She was raised in Southern Alberta and moved to Vancouver to attend UBC where she studies Political Science and Anthropology. She is in her third-year of her undergrad and has been a guest on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people for over two years.
You’re involved with the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), can you tell us more about your position there and how you came across this opportunity.
It was through a post on the UBC First Nations Longhouse page that I learned about an opportunity with MOA’s Native Youth Program (NYP). The NYP is a work-study program that employs Indigenous high-school students to work full-time at MOA over their summer break and provide tours of an exhibit. I served as the Assistant Coordinator over the summer, assisting the Manager in crafting an Indigenous-focused curriculum for the students. We also did a lot of fun activities like canoeing, taking a trip to the Squamish-Lil-wat Cultural Centre, and making a podcast for UBC’s Radio Station, CiTR. Thankfully, we were able to continue the program through the winter with 2 students by providing tours every Sunday. I even got promoted as Manager. (Big thanks to my boss, Pam Brown at MOA for the opportunity!)
What are some of the teachings that you have learned from your position at MOA?
From talking with the youth every day in the NYP, I learned that change in our communities isn’t going to start with official policy-maker discussions, but rather in everyday conversations. Youth are the future leaders that our people need, and I think youth-specific initiatives like the NYP are integral to supporting this change. If a young person is empowered, they will take the lessons that they have learned back to their communities. So when I think about all the youth who don’t have access to the resources that many others do while living in urban areas like Vancouver, and may not get to take part in opportunities such as the NYP—I feel inspired to try and do my best to reduce these barriers.
How do you balance your work and school life?
My advice to anyone striving to balance work and school is to put yourself and most importantly, your mental health first. When you have a good mindset and work hard, it is always reflected in your work and studies. Also, if you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out to ASA. They offer invaluable guidance, and even just an ear to listen.
What are some tips that you have for other students who are seeking employment opportunities as students?
As an Indigenous student, there are great opportunities out there if you check job search tools, newsletters like the Talking Stick, and social media. Most recently, I applied to a co-op job without being in the co-op program through the Federal Student Work Experience Program, which is specifically for Indigenous students! So this semester I’m not in classes, since I’m working full-time as a Research Assistant at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Also, the best tip to start a job search is networking within UBC. I’ve had some great opportunities from people recommending that I apply, or even recommending me to the hiring manager. That’s why it’s good to attend events like the Tuesday FNHL lunches and be friendly and open to others, because you never know what these connections can lead to down the road!
You practice beading; can you tell us about the spaces and/or opportunities to do this on campus? How do you keep up with practicing your traditional methods while being a student?
Over the summer, I facilitated a beading workshop with the NYP students, who for many of them, it was their first time beading. I’ve also attended some beading nights at the UBC Longhouse, and have even just gotten together with friends to bead and catch up. For me, beading is something that I like to do privately at home and also socially with friends. So if anyone would like to get together and bead for a few hours, I’m your girl!
ASA TIP: The job application open for the Native Youth Program manager position, read more here.
