Meet our Indigenous Student Champions
My Hereditary Chief name is Hemajalas, and my given name is Kobie Smith. I am from the Haisla Nation, the Hereditary Chief of the Salmon Clan. I am a Student in Broadcast and Online Journalism in my third year at BCIT and an Indigenous Councilor with the BCIT Student Association.
Abby Francis is a Tla’amin Nation member. She has mixed Coast Salish and French ancestry and grew up in Powell River, B.C. Abby is currently a second-year student at BCIT in the Broadcast and Online Journalism program.
Rianna Whitelaw is a member of the Metis Nation of British Columbia. They study Marketing Management here at BCIT, and are currently enrolled in the 2nd Year Entrepreneurship Option.
“When I was looking for a post-secondary institution to attend, the Indigenous Services team here at BCIT was so warm and welcoming, and they were a huge part of why I picked this school. I’m so glad that I get to share that community with new and prospective students. Getting people excited and engaged in their learning is what I love most about being an Indigenous Champion. ”
What is an Indigenous
student champion?
An Indigenous student champion is a guide and a knowledgeable resource that assists fellow students (Indigenous mentee) in developing strategies to succeed in their post-secondary education.
A peer champion is a senior student (second semester and above) who is available to give their time and apply their skills to positively impact a new student’s post-secondary experience.
What is an Indigenous mentee?
An Indigenous mentee is a first semester or first-year student, who is matched with an Indigenous student champion in their program area. A peer champion will help mentees with organization, study skills, access to information about their program, and student life at BCIT.
Mentoring is becoming more popular in post-secondary institutions. Individuals who receive mentoring support from peers are more likely to adapt well to post-secondary life, succeed academically, and persist until graduation.
See also: Peer to Peer Mentorship Program Booklet [PDF]
Why become an Indigenous student champion?
- Develops leadership and communication skills, transferable to future employment settings
- Serves as an excellent experience to include on your resume
- Mentors will receive an “Indigenous Initiative Certificate of Achievement” in mentoring
- Opportunities to network and develop new friendships
- Can make a difference in the life of a new student
Why become an Indigenous mentee?
- Helps with your first-year transition at BCIT
- Makes your BCIT experience successful
- Easy access to answers about your program and life at BCIT
- Opportunities to network and meet new people
Questions about the Indigenous Student Champion program? Contact us.
