Skip to main content
Beedie School of Business › Marketing, Communication, Art + Technology › Contemporary Arts
SFU Alumni

Marlana and her family
Never give up on your dreams ~ and tailor your schooling to suit your career needs ~ after starting my schooling in fashion design, my professor explained, learn the things you don't know, don't waste your time learning what you already know and don't waste time reinventing the wheel

Nation or Affiliation: 

Akwesasne Mohawk Nation

Where did you grow up? 

Akwesasne, which is located on the Ontario, Quebec and New York State border.

When did you learn to bead? 

I learned how to sew and bead and make regalia from all the aunts in my family each had a specialty, I also come from a long line of basket weavers.

Marlana smiling

Write a Brief Timeline of Your Schooling Experience.

I went to school on the reserve, and then High school off reserve. I went to St. Lawrence and got a degree in Business Admin and Marketing, I also took some classes at Algonquin in Ottawa for fashion design.

Share Your Experience Finding Funding. 

All My funding for schooling was through AMBE (Akwesasne Board of Education) and the Akwesasne Area Management Board. 

Share a Time You Wanted to Quit.

I wanted to quit several times when my kids were sick and I had a big work and school load (I worked fulltime at our casino, while I went to school full time with 2 toddlers). But after talking to my professors I was able to make a schedule that worked for all of us.

Share Your Proudest Moment.

My proudest moment is when I see my work dancing in a powwow.

Marlana dancing in a powwow

Where are you currently in respect to your education? 

I have a Business Admin and Marketing, a Degree in Fashion design and a degree in construction Management.

What has been your most important lesson returning to school? 

Time management, a good baby sitter and coffee.

What advice do you have to offer other Indigenous students? 

Never give up on your dreams  ~ and tailor your schooling to suit your career needs ~ after starting my schooling in fashion design, my professor explained, learn the things you don't know, don't waste your time learning what you already know and don't waste time reinventing the wheel.

Shoes marlana made

What are your goals for the future?

More business, and more time with my family.

visibility  85
Dec 17, 2015

You Might Like These... Volunteering, Community Engagement, Professional Development, Personal Development, Life Balance

STC West Coast
Alumnus Profile: How Crystal Kwon Advanced Her Career Through Volunteerism

Students often overlook one important benefit of volunteerism. While students realize that scholarships and bursaries usually require community engagement, they often forget that volunteerism can also give you the edge you need after you finish your degree.

Kyle and volunteers
Kyle Jung: Expand Your Horizons through Volunteering

Did you know that you can make a difference through volunteering, as well as discovering your passions and career goals? These are just some of the benefits of volunteering, according to Kyle Jung, a 5th-year SIAT student who is also the Vice President of Operations, Interactive Arts & Technology Student Union (IATSU) and the SFSS Forum Representative.

Volunteers
Jordan Robinson: Volunteer, Learn & Have Fun!

Do you want to improve your writing and communications skills? Do you want to meet other SFU students? If you answered “yes” to any of the two questions, becoming a peer educator may just be right for you! Let Jordan Robinson, a 4th-year Sociology student, tell you what valuable skills and experiences.

You Might Like These... Graduate Students

Aerial view of students walking across pond in the Academic Quadrangle during convocation
Applying to Grad School? I Wish You Had Come Sooner

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” This Chinese proverb inspired Kandice, a Public Health Graduate student, to share her tips on applying to grad school. Read Kandice's article to learn why you should start the process today!

Michael smiling in front of broken glass mural
Reinvent Yourself by Working Abroad

Michael Welk went to Spain to teach English for his co-op and shares about his adventure in a new country. Read on to find out about what you can gain from an experience such as leaving your comfort zone and exploring! This article was originally published in the Arts Co-op Newsletter in Spring 2015.

Girl looking at laptop screen
Finding Community While Returning to Work In-Person

Finding community in your workplace is just one way to enrich your overall working and learning experience. Creating relationships with colleagues, and friendships in the community not only benefits your work life but can reflect a positive personal life as well. Whether this looks like sharing inside jokes with a co-worker, a meaningful conversation with a peer, or a meal with community, these are just some ways to grow your social circle.