Aboriginal Student Affairs wishes student Chelsea Gladstone, the peer advisor from May 2018 – April 2019 a fond farewell as she is graduating this year in May 2019! And don’t forget to keep scrolling for all of the student interviews that Chelsea created this past year.
Chelsea’s Letter:
My ancestral name is Xanjuu Gwang and I am a member of the Haida Nation. I would like to start this letter by acknowledging the Musqueam people whose lands I have been studying on at UBC for the past 4 years. I would also like to thank the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh nations for hosting me on their territories and allowing me to live, learn and play on their lands while I completed my undergraduate degree.
As I prepare for my future adventures, I can’t help but thank ASA for guiding me every step of my way during my undergrad at UBC. ASA has played such an integral support role in my studies at UBC. From offering me academic guidance, to addressing my needs in a culturally-specific way to make UBC a safe place for me, ASA has always been there! Karlene and Maggie continuously go above and beyond for UBC Arts students and it was an honor to witness and be a part of everything that happens in the ASA office. Thank you Karlene and Maggie for encouraging my professional growth throughout my time being the ASA Peer and for being the best mentors that I could have ever asked for. Both of you have uplifted me in a way that has significantly impacted my confidence as an Indigenous woman. I started in the ASA student peer position approximately one year ago. Since my first day in May 2018, I feel like I have not only completely blossomed as a person but during this time I also created meaningful connections with my UBC community.
Particularly, I would like to recognize every single Indigenous student who studies on the UBC Vancouver campus. I leave my student peer position grounded by a strong Indigenous community on campus which is part of the reason why it’s hard for me to leave. I am grateful to every Indigenous student who I crossed paths with during my time working with ASA, as well as students who I have met previously. I am extremely lucky to have so many role models on campus who are all the embodiment of Indigenous brilliance, love, and resistance. I am cheering each and every one of you on while you work towards completing your education.
I would also like to give a special shout out to everyone in the Indigenous Leadership Collective. This past year, I have had the opportunity to create beautiful friendships with every one of you! I am very lucky to have you all a part of my experience at UBC. Thank you for sharing your teachings, stories and laughter with me. It has been an honour to uphold and celebrate each other all year long. The ILC allowed me to walk through UBC campus with a sense of community and Indigenous pride. I am so blessed to have been involved with the numerous advocacy events, cultural activities and informal potluck gatherings that we participated in. I also still beam with happiness every time I talk about our Longboat race! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me finish my undergrad in a good way. I look forward to witnessing all of the amazing work that you will continue to do as a collective and as individuals.
Haawa,
Chelsea Gladstone
Update: ASA is proud to share that Chelsea Gladstone is UBC’s first Lieutenant Governor Medal winner.
