Aboriginal Studies Testimonials
Valerie Ooshag
My name is Valerie Ooshag, and I recently graduated from the General Arts and Sciences – Aboriginal Studies certificate program here at Algonquin College. I really enjoyed what this program had to offer. We learned an extensive amount of knowledge on the Indian Act, Indigenous Law and Government, pragmatics in becoming a community leader and issues that Indigenous people have been enduring for years (not everything that there is to learn, but quite a bit to condense in a one-year program). I feel like I am more confident in educating those who are interested in learning about Indigenous issues and topics. Before I took this program, I had limited knowledge on all of the mentioned topics. We had a reliable support system from our professors; they pushed us to finish! At the beginning of the year, I was elected to be class representative for the Fall 2019 semester and I passed on the position to a fellow classmate for the Winter 2020 term.
Our class was able to take part in various events put on by the Mamidosewin Centre and other events that related to our study focus. It was great to be able to be part of and contribute to the Algonquin community in a meaningful way.
It is unfortunate our class of 2020 did not get to celebrate our successes as a group because of COVID-19, but I know we are all so proud of each other regardless. As the next school year is rolling in again, I will be preparing for my studies in the General Arts and Sciences Year II online.
In March, my professor, Marina Westbrook, was contacted by the Vice President Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization in search of a recommendation for a student to work at the Chamber under the Senior Director, Parliamentary Affair in the Inclusive Growth Initiative. She reached out to me and asked if I was interested in taking this paid internship. I was then hired as a part time Research Associate at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce from March to the end of July. Originally, I was only supposed to stay there from March – June but they extended my contract to work on another project for the month of July. It is unfortunate and kind of funny that I only spent one day in the actual office before the “work from home” order was placed upon us back in March. I worked 99.99% virtually but was still able to spend my last day of work in office, with my supervisor, at a safe distance.
During my time at the Chamber I contributed to two projects in regards to Indigenous Relations in business and also Indigenous engagement. The first project was a resource history piece that was about Indigenous business relations and also educating chambers on the real history of this country. The second project focused on more recent engagement strategies that chambers are working towards in regards to Indigenous people today. I had the opportunity to have interesting conversations with various chambers from across the country. I finished off my last few days compiling a report.
It was such a great experience working at the Chamber because I had no knowledge about the business work field or that there is reconciliation with Indigenous people in the works at different chambers across the country.
Overall, Algonquin College and its staff has given me amazing opportunities to help me grow as an Indigenous student and helping me expand my networks in a new city for my future endeavors. As my first year away from home, I am glad I chose Algonquin College as my institution. I have had nothing but great experiences and I am looking forward to another year!