Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up on the Blood Reserve, and I am a member of Kainai First Nation. I was raised by my late grandmother Sarah Wells. My grandmother was an amazing matriarch to our entire family. I always acknowledge her in everything I do as she shaped me into the person I am today. She ensured I got a good education and the skills to work hard, be kind and be gentle.

I graduated from Cardston High School, and upon graduation, I attended Lethbridge Community College. I was not ready to attend post-secondary, so I began working various jobs around Lethbridge. My last place of employment before returning to post-secondary was Scotiabank. I worked there for six years. After my husband graduated from the Faculty of Education at ULethbridge, I decided to try Lethbridge College again. I graduated from the Correctional Studies Program in 2010. At the time, I had wanted to work in Corrections, but after a push from instructors at the College, I decided to pursue a degree at Ulethbridge. I am grateful to my husband Joel; I witnessed him navigate his educational journey at Ulethbridge and he inspired me. I am proud to say I am the first person in my immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree.

While completing my undergraduate degree, I worked with an Indigenous mentorship program through the Faculty of Management - First Nations Governance Program. I am extremely grateful to Andrea Amelinckx and Rhonda Crow for giving me the chance to experience working here as a student. They are both great mentors. Upon graduation, I gained employment in the Information Centre in the Registrar's Office. After working in the Information Centre for three years, I accepted a position in the Faculty of Health Sciences as a Graduate Program Advisor. In 2021, I accepted a position with Iikaisskini Indigenous Services and here I am! 

How long have you been at ULethbridge, and what do you do here?

I have worked at the University of Lethbridge for the past 11 years. I work in Iikaisskini Indigenous Services as an Indigenous Student Advisor. My key role is to provide support to our Indigenous Students at the University. This can look different from student to student and day to day; there is always something new and exciting to tackle. I also plan special events that come out of Iikaisskini Indigenous Services such as Indigenous Awareness Week, National Truth and Reconciliation Week and Indigenous Peoples Day. In addition, I partner and co-host events with other Ulethbridge departments, faculty, students and staff. 

What's the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is working with students! I live by the motto that "I work for students first and, without them, I would not be in my role." Second, I feel privileged to watch students grow from when then they first begin their studies to when they graduate. It really is amazing and I feel honoured to witness this. Sometimes, it feels as though I am on the journey with them. We are all in this together. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy reading and watching sports, but most of all I love walking my Yorkie Luigi.