Bradleigh grew up in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. An upbringing rooted in Annishanaabe culture, learning from his dad and his grandmother with whom he lived, Bradleigh spent a lot of time playing in the woods and developing a love for nature. His home community’s close proximity to Sudbury meant that Bradleigh’s family would often travel into the city for groceries and shopping.
“I remember how the hills around the smoke stack were black and rocky and now they’re green and full of plants,” Trudeau recalls. “Seeing that development over my life, made a huge impression on me. I knew I wanted to be a part of something like that.”
Now reflecting on his time as a Laurentian student in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture, Bradleigh feels a sense of accomplishment. There is no better institution to learn about the world renowned regreening efforts in the Sudbury basin than Laurentian University. No better playground to immerse oneself in nature than Laurentian’s vast campus. No better postsecondary setting for students to stay connected to Indigenous culture than the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC). On June 5th, Bradleigh will graduate having reached his goal to be a part of environmental conservation in Sudbury and prepared for a career in the field.
His journey to this moment has not been easy. Bradleigh says joining the ISLC in his first year helped him feel a sense of home on campus. “It’s not only a place to study when you want quiet but also a place to access support from peers or mentors when facing personal or academic challenges. There’s a real sense of community there.”
That sense of community made such an impression on Bradleigh that he started working with the Centre.
“I took a couple of years off between high school and university so I am considered a mature student. The Peer Wellness Centre on campus was looking for a mature student to join their team. I applied and it led to also working at the ISLC in peer support.”
He says that the opportunity to support other students the way he had been supported earlier on in his studies was fulfilling for him.
“It was pretty cool getting to help students with the challenges they faced,” he said. “I took the job seriously and understood the positive impact that I could have on students by making them feel supported and connecting them with resources.”
Bradleigh’s son was born in the middle of his final year at Laurentian. His partner is also a Laurentian student in the Criminology program. While starting their family in his final year of studies was challenging, Bradleigh is proud of where he is now. He says he is ready to take a break and enjoy some family time before deciding on a career path or if he wants to continue on to a masters program.
Taking the time to pause is a value in action for Bradleigh. He is adhering to his own advice for other students which is: “Find balance in your studies and personal life. Take breaks and get help when you need it. Disconnect when you need to and you’ll feel so much more equipped to take on challenges.”
Bradleigh will graduate on June 5th at 2:30pm.