Indigenous

Join Shelley in discovering the profound impact of Indigenous wisdom on understanding mental wellness, making career decisions, and navigating life paths.

As a single mom, providing her young daughter with a bright future motivated Sarah Rain to work towards her degree, while also navigating the challenges of work, life, and parenthood.

As the Communications Program Assistant at the Indigenous Student Centre at SFU it is my job to create content to share with students that not only promote our programs, but foster community. Read more to find out how it went!

When women return to the drum, this is when our nations begin to heal

We deserve more and so do our Indigenous youth. The justification of our suffering needs to stop.

Three SFU students reflect on their experience as volunteers at the City of Surrey's commemoration of Orange Shirt Day.

On September 28th, the First Nations Student Association (FNSA) hosted the third annual SFU Indigenous Day. An event that brings together students, faculty, artists and community members to celebrate Indigenous culture. 

The Aboriginal Entrance Scholarship is definitely worth all its cracked up to be.

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. Read Marlana's story of hard work and determination!

Read about Indigenous scholar and author, Lee Maracle's book, "I Am Woman".

A summary of Janice Acoose's trail blazing book, Iskwewak kah’Ki Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak: Neither Indian Princess Nor Easy Squaw.

Environmental justice and climate change; taking a look at how we communicate about it and how we might change our worldview in an effort to stop the destruction of the planet.  

"I will continue to encourage students out there to dream and that its okay to be scared but don’t’ let that fear hold you back." Read Tracy's story of determination, will and understanding oneself. 

"Just do it! If you get invested in your education you want to continue, and the rewards are extraordinary! Even when it is hard, you continue to do it. I’ve learned so much since starting, it’s phenomenal." Read Kayla's story of hard work and determination.

"I hope to be someone that other Indigenous youth can look up to, and a person that others can count on in my everyday life. And hopefully I can get into Law school so I can help Indigenous peoples fight for their rights." Read Carmen's story of overcoming adversity, and their reason for continuing their education. 

FILES OF UNCERTAINTY #1: To Bear witness, the open musings of a Metis Student trying to understand her rage when Brian Bowman only half admitted his culture. 

"I currently hold a diploma from College; however, I have just enrolled into University to acquire a degree. My mom received her Master’s at 52 and so I’m now 48 and it’s my turn to go back to school!" Read Malcom's story of understanding his Indigenous status, and continuing his education.

"My proudest moment was being the first of a class of 12 from NEC to graduate at SFU. There are so many obstacles one must crawl over to get a degree especially being an older student" Read Karen's story of overcoming obstacles and rising to success. 

"My big picture goal is to work in policy to strengthen the health and well being of Aboriginal Peoples by working to combine Aboriginal children, families, communities and health into a single concept that is so interconnected that they can not be teased apart to be treated as independent entities." Read Sheryl's story of determination, and continuing her education as an adult and mother.

University, many people once told me, is the best time of your life. Yes, there is something to be said about being broke and stressed out with deadlines and exams.

Meet Betsy Turtle Bruyere, an entrepreneur and educator who understands the value of hard-work and determination. Read their story, as they share their journey growing up, overcoming adversity, and exploring different careers in education in order to uplift other indigenous peoples and communities. 

The successful applicants for the 2014 Graduate Aboriginal Entrance Scholarships were Jordan Abel and Christina Coolidge. They are exploring different aspects of Aboriginal storytelling.

Work hard nothing in life is easy, be honest to yourself and others and maintain your principles and values. Read Michelle's story of determination, hard-work and success. 

“I always return to the words of Indigenous scholar, Eber Hampton, that we need to design an education system ‘worthy of our ancestors and our children,’” Read Deboarah's story of continuing education, determination and a drive to give back to the community.

David Neel of the Kwakiutl tribe has been making Native design jewelry for 25 years. He descends from a family of first nations aritsts, including: Ellen Neel, Mungo Martin and Charlie James. A multi-media artist, David Neel makes rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets, in addition to Canadian Aboriginal art, such as masks, totem poles, paddles, bentwood boxes and paintings under the David Neel Studio. Here is an interview with him about his jounrey to become an independently employed artist and jeweler.