Last Thursday, February 15, Jennifer Kanerahtorónkwas Paul, Indigenous Student Life Counsellor at Champlain College Saint-Lambert, made a presentation for the Continuing Education department staff.
She shared her experience as a former student at Champlain from the perspective of a member of Kahnawake, the Kanien’keha:ka (Mohawk) Nation.
She described what the transition to college can be like for many First Nations students, including barriers that students from this community often face in their schooling outside the community.
Paul provided an overview of Indigenous histories and belief systems and helped the staff to understand concepts such as nations and clans.
She explained that the situation of each Indigenous Nation and each community within those nations is unique and that this can result in different cultural and language barriers for students from these communities.
’’This workshop is part of the action plan of our newly formed Truth & Reconciliation Committee at Continuing Education,” said Mark Wallace, director of the Continuing Education department.
“This is only a first step, and we are grateful to have Jennifer on our Committee to work with us on our future initiatives,’’ he added.
