The second iteration of UTSC’s Village initiative saw 12 students (9 UTSC, 2 UTSG, & 1 UTM) visit Manitoulin Island with community members in M’Chigeeng First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation, and Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation. This opportunity allowed students to engage in an experiential learning journey designed to holistically facilitate and promote career discussions, while emphasizing, and empowering students to remain grounded and connected to cultural and traditional skills.
Students met with Indigenous professionals in various fields, such as education, tourism, and healthcare. They had the opportunity to experience a tour of a First Nation’s administrative office, a panel discussion from the Wikwemikong Health Centre, a discussion of traditional medicines, a traditional drumming circle, and a forest farm tour with our UTSC alumni / Community Leader Caely Genereux where they learned about how she co-created and launched the Land First Youth Initiative.
By engaging in this cultural program, students were able to validate their identity and purpose, and explore ways in how they can return and connect to community. The week ended at Eagle Lodge for teachings and a Sweat Lodge Ceremony with UTSC’s Elder Josh Eshkawkogan.
Student VILLAGE Participant Testimonials
- Brady, 4th Year Specialist in Human BiologyBeing able to participate and feel the spiritual effects of my Indigenous culture, especially during the sweat, is something I will remember. I have had minimal opportunity to connect with my culture spiritually. I believe that the health benefits of being able to do this are tremendous, and this has led to a newfound passion within me to try and incorporate practices like this into my daily life and think about ways that I could allow future patients of mine to indulge in when I one day become a doctor.
- Miriam, Doctoral Student in Environmental ScienceBelonging to a beautiful and inspiring community of Indigenous students, who through kindness and hard work show in each of their disciplines the importance of our knowledges. Having the opportunity to connect with all of them has developed a sense of belonging at UTSC that I didn’t know previously to this trip.
- Symone, 3rd Year Specialist in PsychologyMy personal favourite experience was visiting Sheshegwaning and seeing the work of the UTSC grads. How they directly took what they learned from school and applied it to benefit their community. It’s something I’ve personally felt unprepared to do and like it was something beyond my abilities, but seeing people I know applying their skills to their community was really inspiring.
- Giselle, 2nd year Health SciencesThe best experience was getting the feeling that I was not alone. I wasn’t alone in my experiences, in my own community’s experiences (Six Nations GR), and that there is so much passion within Indigenous Peoples to further reconnect, rebuild, and strengthen our Peoples, Cultures, Traditions, and Communities.
