In 2014, I applied to York University, the University of Toronto, and Laurentian University.
I was in a good place and confident when I sent out my applications, but a few life experiences that year altered my perspective, and when it was time to make it real, I was too scared to go.
Coming from a small northern First Nations community (Wikwemikong First Nation)… living in Toronto was a frightening concept, not only because the cost of living was high, but I would be removed from my culture and support systems. Being from the North, Laurentian in Sudbury was a better fit, still, trying to wrap my head around transitioning to a big city or attending a big school was overwhelming. The fear caused me to miss deadlines. I missed submitting my application to Laurentian by one day, which in retrospect, was probably a good thing. I am much more prepared to be a student now.
The years between 2014 and 2021 allowed me to discover things about myself. I worked as a Cultural Arts Animator during this time and built my confidence. I explored the arts and enjoyed sculpting with my hands and acting. Acting allowed me to travel, and through my travels, I developed a deep appreciation of the planet and the places I visited. A love of natural spaces heavily influenced my art, and when I visited cities without green spaces, I felt the environmental impact of being disconnected.
I recognized this when I watched a video on the environmental impact certain activities like mining had on Sudbury and the strong public desire to revitalize and restore the city and its green spaces. A while back, Sudbury was unrecognizable, an awful environmental place with a damaged ecosystem.
Today, it is healing. Birch trees and grasses are planted and growing, designated spaces are respected, and efforts are being made to restore the community and reestablish a strong sense of place. The University owns close to 750 acres of trails, a public beach, and some of the last undeveloped waterfront on Lake Nepahwin. This ecosystem is part of three connected forests in Robinson-Huron Treaty territory and the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.
Today, it is no longer a devastated and toxic landscape. We are on our way to restoring our home and sense of place, with Laurentian playing a significant role in restoration through education and engagement.
Recognizing all of this set my path in alignment with the planet. I registered for a few courses at the University and started my journey in the world of environmental science. Attending Laurentian also provided me with opportunities to reconnect to my culture. I have taken a language-based program that will help me better communicate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in my home community. Youth need to receive information from those who came before in a respectful way, but it is also essential for us to share information on our learnings and discoveries. My language allows me to live with respect and reciprocity, which are important to me as a student and to the restoration of my culture.
Many Native youth from my Reserve choose Laurentian because it’s only two hours away from home, and for many of us, we have friends and family and find opportunities in Sudbury. The University is connected to many resources in the city, but my favourite space is the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) on campus. It’s a calm place to study or connect – it’s a community that feels comfy. I say that because being connected to the ISLC brings back many comfortable memories for me, like those of my grandmother, who was a traditional Annishanaabe woman. I enjoyed ceremony with my grandmother and reconnected to my culture when I lived with her. She passed away when I was in my teens. Once, when I was having a terrible day on campus, I went to the ISLC, and they were burning sage. The smell immediately brought me back to the apartment and good memories; that day, I felt cleansed, and whenever I have a bad day, I visit, and they are always doing something that lifts my spirits and connects me back to a good place.
The University is a safe space for Indigenous students. I am unsure if I should discuss this as it may be misinterpreted, but I will share it because it speaks to connections and the importance of place. The night before my first day at Laurentian was filled with dreams and the voice of my first girlfriend. It was a strange occurrence that continued into the following day. After arriving on campus, I heard her voice asking me, “what are you doing here.” I thought, am I still dreaming, or is this a waking dream? But when I turned around, I saw that it was her and that she too was attending Laurentian. The North is a small community where people travel in circles, and that’s what this story reminds me of.
I may be specializing in Environmental Science, but there are other discoveries at Laurentian that are unexpected and special, like Popcorn Monday, Tuesday Smoothie Day, and Wiisnik Wednesday at the ISLC. The Centre offers respectful vegan food options – overall, being a student at Laurentian University is the best option for me.
Favorite Outdoor Place on Campus: A little park where students gather to study, eat food, or hang out – there are so many great outdoor spaces that allow people to connect to nature and each other, but this one is especially welcoming.
First Impressions of Laurentian: My first impression of Laurentian was that it was so big. I went to a small high school, so the size of the buildings and campus was overwhelming, and I felt a little bit lost, but that passed as soon as I realized how nice it was. I never imagined it would have so much green space.
Biggest Take-away: The Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre is a special place that allows Indigenous students and allies to connect through authentic experiences. For Indigenous students, it provides a connection to home and our culture, but every person, not just Indigenous people, should visit and experience the spaces and events.