UFV’s partnership with Chilliwack Cultural Centre fuels arts education

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The School of Creative Arts at UFV has created a remarkable theatre experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world performance through a meaningful partnership with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. This collaboration offers students the unique opportunity to work in both a close-knit theatre environment and the larger, professional-scale stage of a renowned arts venue—a blend that amplifies their skills, confidence, and creative expression.

UFV’s Black Box Theatre on the Abbotsford campus is an intimate space, seating around 40 to 50 people, where students can experiment and connect closely with audiences. Shelley Liebembuk, Director of the School of Creative Arts and Associate Professor, calls it “a perfect lab for experimentation, where students are encouraged to interact with their audience and explore their craft.” This year, after the opening week of performances in this intimate setting, the students tour both their fall and winter productions to the 160-seat Rotary Hall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (CCC). This experience allows students to tackle new challenges, from managing sound and lighting for a bigger space to actors projecting their performances for a broader audience.

“I’m really looking forward to going to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre! I’m also really excited because its going to be in front of a big audience. Its going to be a super cool and fun experience!”, says Marie Brideau, production class student working as the Stage Manager for The Paper Bag Princess.

The success of this partnership is due in large part to the vision of Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s Executive Director, Jean-Louis Bleau. Liebembuk notes that Bleau has been “an amazing collaborator, welcoming our students with open arms and investing in their growth as future artists.”

The School of Creative Arts continues to enrich its programs, expanding student access to diverse training environments, mentorship, and pathways for careers both on and off the stage. “The students are working with professional technology, so when they graduate, they’re ready for anything,” adds Giuseppe Condello, Production Manager of the Theatre Program. Condello explains that UFV’s equipment aligns closely with that at CCC’s Rotary Hall, so students are well-prepared to adapt to the new venue.

One exciting result of this partnership is the TakeOver festival, where UFV arts practicum students curate a one-day festival at Rotary Hall. This unique opportunity came from Bleau’s own idea of empowering students to take ownership of the space. “It’s a rare experience for students to plan and execute a full festival,” Liebembuk shares. “It gives them real-world experience in arts management and production.”

Through this partnership, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and UFV are creating a powerful learning pathway that bridges education and the arts industry. Thanks to Bleau’s support and UFV’s School of Creative Arts’ innovative approach, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and community connection that prepare them to make their mark on the arts.

Roots of Knowledge: Stories That Shape Our Learning

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Roots of Knowledge: Stories That Shape Our Learning

In the heart of our university, where stories of heritage and identity intertwine, a program stands out for its deep impact on students and the broader community. The Power and Place program is more than an academic pursuit—it’s a journey of discovery and reconciliation. Today, we spotlight Meghan Hilton, one of our remarkable students whose experience in this program has been nothing short of transformative.

“I was motivated to enrol in the Power and Place program as I am a Metis student studying Indigenous Studies,” shares Meghan, currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at UFV. The decision to join the program stemmed from a desire for an immersive, hands-on learning experience that would deepen her understanding of Indigenous studies.

As she recounts her journey, the passion and dedication to her studies are evident. When asked about a specific moment or lesson that deeply resonated with her, Meghan finds it challenging to pinpoint just one.

“It is challenging to pinpoint a single moment or lesson from the Power and Place program that resonated with me the most, as each class and lesson contributed uniquely and significantly to my understanding of Indigenous studies and Stó:lō history. Each lesson resonates differently with everyone, while providing support and guidance on how to apply this knowledge in meaningful ways in the world around us.”

When asked about the impacts of the Power and Place program and how she felt empowered to contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities, Meghan says:

“The Power and Place program has given me the tools I need to positively contribute to reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and settler communities. Through this program, I have gained a deep and complex understanding of Canadian Indigenous peoples’ history, cultures, and worldviews. Thanks to the intensive program structure I feel more prepared to advocate for Indigenous peoples’ rights and facilitate respectful conversations about these topics. Through engagement with real-world scenarios and case studies, we as students have gained a greater awareness of the structural challenges and injustices that many face. Additionally, community engagement and collaboration are prioritized in the program’s approach to complex problems. Respecting the knowledge and experiences of Indigenous peoples, you learn to collaborate in a way that prioritizes and encourages culturally appropriate efforts.”

For those considering enrolling in the Power and Place program, Meghan’s advice is both heartfelt and practical.


“I would advise students who are considering enrolling in the Power and Place program to make the commitment. I advise approaching every lesson and class discussion with an open mind and an intent to participate wholeheartedly. The Power and Place program is a life-changing opportunity that engages students in an immersive learning environment and teaches many skills necessary to support efforts towards truth and reconciliation in a good way.”

As we celebrate the stories of students like Meghan, we are reminded of the power of education to transform lives and bridge communities. The Power and Place program continues to be a beacon of hope and understanding, shaping the next generation of advocates for truth and reconciliation.

Seeing with eyes, heart, and mind: Hannah Reimer’s journey with Truth and Reconciliation

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Seeing with eyes, heart, and mind: Hannah Reimer’s journey with Truth and Reconciliation

Hannah Reimer’s journey into the Power and Place program began with curiosity. As a first-year student at UFV, she decided to learn the Halq’eméylem language, native to her area. This interest blossomed into a deep appreciation for the language and sparked her desire to learn more about Indigenous culture and reconciliation. Encouraged by her friend Meghan, Hannah enrolled in the Power and Place program, a decision for which she’s incredibly grateful. Now minoring in Indigenous Studies, Hannah has found a profound connection to reconciliation and the power of place and story.

One moment that stood out for Hannah was an activity where students had to choose from a list of prompts, complete the action, and share a related story.

“I like to think of myself as a poetic person, and there was a day when we got to pick from a list of prompts, complete the action, and share a story that came to mind. I picked, “walk where you will become dust” and was able to, for the first time, think about what that meant and share it with others. It was a beautiful moment for me, a quiet person, to feel validated in taking the time to share out my story and have others listen. I did not feel rushed, I felt at peace, which I have never felt before in a classroom. I realized that day the beauty of learning differently.”

Completing the course has empowered Hannah to contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities. Through listening to elders, attending ceremonies, and participating in field trips, she gained knowledge and understanding that only experience can provide.

“Throughout those experiences, something just clicked, and now I view reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities in a way I never would’ve been able to before. It’s not something I can explain or pass on myself, but I now know the tools to get there. If someone were to ask me how, I would say you can never have enough experience, and try to truly submerse yourself when gathering knowledge. I feel empowered to contribute to reconciliation because I’ve allowed myself to become empowered through Power and Place. It’s not a matter of taking an Indigenous studies course, writing a paper, and doing that ten more times. It’s a matter of getting your mind and body involved.”

Hannah’s advice to other students considering the Power and Place program is to be prepared to open up in unconventional ways.

“Be prepared to open up in ways you are not used to doing in a classroom setting. The beauty of the Power and Place program is we learn collectively and individually, all primarily from the heart instead of the mind. It’s a wonderful chance to explore deep into who you are, how you define meaning, and where your values are born. Through this course you will learn how to wake up parts of yourself you didn’t know were asleep.”

Transforming Education into Community Impact and Research Excellence

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Jenna Kerr, a recent graduate of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Honours and a minor in Sociology, is making waves both academically and in her community. Her journey through UFV has been marked by an impressive blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and dedicated community service.

Jenna’s fascination with psychology began in high school and flourished throughout her university career. “Psychology was one of my favourite classes in high school, and mental health professional was one of the potential careers I had in mind when I started university,” she explains. This early interest guided her to UFV, where she would later find herself immersed in research and hands-on experiences that solidified her passion for the field.

At UFV, Jenna completed two practicums that deeply impacted her career trajectory. Her first practicum was as a Project Management and Community Engagement Assistant on a project focused on accessible tourism.

“This role involved a lot of correspondence with internal collaborators and community partners. It gave me a good sense of all the moving parts involved in research projects,” Jenna reflects.

Her second practicum as a Counselling Intern at the Chilliwack Youth Health Centre was equally transformative. Initially applying for a counselling support role, Jenna was invited to take on a counselling intern position.

“The internship allowed real-world application of skills that I had previously only applied in theory or through roleplay situations. I gained a lot of confidence in this role and improved my ability to problem-solve in the moment.”

Jenna’s academic journey reached new heights when she was invited to present at the 18th International Conference of Clinical Ethics and Consultation and the 32nd Annual Conference of the Canadian Bioethics Society. Her honours research, supervised by UFV Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Carey DeMichelis, explored a private online community for Canadian women with fibromyalgia, focused on how these women legitimize and cope with a contested condition and the role that online community might play in those efforts.

“I was thrilled to have my abstract accepted for the joint conference and to be invited to give an oral presentation,” Jenna recounts. “This was my second experience giving an oral presentation at a conference, and my first time sharing my honours research in this format. My first time delivering an oral presentation was earlier this year at the annual Pacific Sociological Association conference in San Diego, where I presented about the work I did as a research assistant to Dr. Michael Corman at the end of my degree.”

Jenna Kerr during her recent presentation at the 18th International Conference of Clinical Ethics and Consultation in Montreal.

Dr. DeMichelis speaks highly of Jenna’s work:

“Jenna conducted this research with the highest ethical standards. Her methodology was carefully constructed and skillfully executed. In her writing and presentations, Jenna has developed a clear and compelling ethnographic voice, weaving together her own narrative observations with evocative insights from interview participants and group members.”

Looking ahead, Jenna plans to apply for graduate programs in Counselling and Clinical Psychology. She also aims to stay involved in research, hoping to leverage both research and practical insights to encourage structural change in care systems.

For students considering a similar path, Jenna offers valuable advice:

“Reflect on what it is you enjoy about psychology, and what you would like to be doing once you’re working. Practicum experience isn’t a requirement for a major in Psychology, but the experience is incredibly helpful in putting learning into practice and getting exposed to career areas of interest.”

Making connections and finding new career paths

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Anu Sharma is a curious mind who loves learning new hobbies and discovering new shows.

“As a kid, I would always stumble into anything and everything. I haven’t grown out of that phase yet. We are here to wander through other people’s stories, searching for our own.”

Anu’s path to a Media Arts degree at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) was influenced by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The blend of research opportunities and hands-on learning appealed to Anu, who saw this program as a way to further develop their career.

“I had just finished my trades certificate in 3D drafting when COVID hit. I found myself researching the program and saw how many fields interested me. The Media Arts program has several concentrations, and the Applied Interactive core requirements had promising electives and classes to choose from,” Anu explains.

Recently, Anu completed a successful practicum with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, an experience that proved both challenging and rewarding.

From left to right: Theresia Pio (Festival Production Manager), Beatrice Frenette (Festival Artistic Director), and Anu Sharma (Festival Marketing Manager).

“I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to use my current skillset in a project designed for students showcasing their art. There was familiarity and hope in creating something that I would want to participate in,” Anu says. Working as part of a great team emphasized the importance of constant communication. “Planning between students was easy, but we relied a lot on different individuals and groups to make this festival work. As someone who wants to be part of successful projects, even when trying something entirely new, sticking to basics will help in the long run.”

The project presented significant challenges, especially in terms of vision and patience. Adaptability became a crucial constant, with the team weighing the pros and cons of each new campaign. Thanks to the efforts of the students, sponsors, and staff at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, they produced a great experience for everyone involved.

“We had to craft a festival without knowing who or what was being featured. The core idea was to include all the diverse art that students have to offer. We cast a wide net out to our community and had to work fast to tie in loose ends,” Anu recalls.

Looking ahead, Anu is eager to be part of an engaging team in the arts division.

“Thankfully, I’ve gained experience in both marketing coordination and visual communication to seek out other fun opportunities. In the future, I plan on advancing my education and perhaps pursuing a master’s in my desired field. I know whichever way I turn to, I will be able to give it my all.”

Anu’s advice to future students is to embrace the connections they make while learning.

“You have the benefit of knowing your peers and instructors while you learn. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I learned the hard way that fear can get in the way of a lot of personal growth, someone once told me to turn that fear into excitement. Your projects are a statement of how much you’ve grown. If you plan on getting into Media Arts, be open to new learning experiences and tons of new people! It is very motivating being immersed in an environment that wants you to be creative and functional career-wise.”

Celebrating a Career Superhero: Dr. Linda Pardy

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Celebrating a Career Superhero: Dr. Linda Pardy

Describing Dr. Linda Pardy isn’t easy. Those who have met her can attest to that. After all, how can we describe a career superhero?

 

Since 2019, Dr. Linda Pardy has been serving the College of Arts as an Associate Dean of Students. During her tenure, she accomplished some incredible feats:

  • Canada Comeback Challenge: Dr. Pardy led 15 student teams and faculty members to participate in this national event, where students delivered brilliant pitches and ideas on tackling real-world problems. This initiative not only showcased the exceptional creativity of our students but also positioned the College of Arts as a leader in innovative education.
  • 1000 + Work-Integrated Learning Experiences: She achieved—and nearly doubled—the goal of 1,000 student work-integrated learning experiences. This monumental accomplishment provided students with hands-on opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional experience.
  • Arts Worx Initiative: Dr. Pardy launched this groundbreaking platform to boost student participation in work-integrated learning activities and connect the local community to some talented Arts minds. Arts Worx has become a vital resource for students, offering a wide array of opportunities to gain invaluable work experience and career opportunities, setting them on a path to success even before they graduate.
  • Practicum Participation: Under her leadership, the number of Arts students participating in practicums significantly increased. Dr. Pardy’s efforts ensured that more students could benefit from immersive, practical experiences that are crucial for their professional development.

Dr. Pardy is known for being an innovator, collaborator, creative thinker, and leader. Her forward-thinking approach and dedication to student success have left a lasting mark on the College of Arts. The students who exit her classroom are more confident, self-assured, and resilient than when they first came in. They are better prepared to face the challenges of the professional world, thanks to the robust career foundation she helped build.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Pardy has been a mentor and inspiration to countless students and colleagues. Her passion for education, coupled with her unwavering commitment to student development, has created a supportive and nurturing environment within the College of Arts.

As Dr. Pardy concludes her term as Associate Dean of Students, we reflect on the deep impact she has made and we are cheering for her on the next chapters of her adventure. And fear not – Although Dr. Pardy is concluding her term as Associate Dean, she will stay within the College of Arts, returning as an Associate Professor and faculty researcher.

From all of us at the College of Arts, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your remarkable work, Dr. Pardy. We hope to continue building on the strong foundation you have created, and we look forward to seeing the continued success of the initiatives you have set in motion.

Thank you, Dr. Pardy, for being a true superhero in our academic community.

Béatrice Frenette: From Stage Dreams to Teaching Aspirations

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Béatrice Frenette, who graduates this summer from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), has already achieved significant milestones. She is the first in her immediate family to attend and complete a university degree, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications and a minor in Theatre, along with two certificates.

“I would describe myself as dedicated and organized to learning and growing my craft,” Béatrice says, reflecting on her journey.

Béatrice’s love for theatre has been a constant throughout her life. Pairing her passion for theatre with a degree in Communications, Béatrice found a perfect balance that allowed her to explore various career paths.

“I have always had a love for theatre growing up and I knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue, whether it be on or off stage and behind the scenes. (…) A Communications [degree] opens the door to a lot of different job opportunities such as marketing, managing, research, and office job opportunities. The theatrical aspect of my degree allows me to be more open and creative with my future, which is something that I appreciate.

Her recent practicum with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and the School of Creative Arts has been a game-changer experience.

“This practicum working with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and the School of Creative Arts has been such a challenging and rewarding journey.”

Starting in January 2024, she and her classmates spent several months organizing the TakeOver Festival, with Béatrice taking on the role of Artistic Director. Her responsibilities included coordinating communication, scheduling meetings, soliciting donations, and shaping the festival’s vision. The theme they chose was the promotion of diverse art and harmony, and Béatrice meticulously selected student plays, short films, and art pieces to feature at the event.

As with most things in life, this practicum experience also presented its challenges.

“The biggest challenge I faced along the way was the separation between work and personal time. I felt like this practicum devoured a lot of my mind for the past several months and it definitely affected my mental capacity,” Béatrice admits. She learned the importance of trusting her team, which included Anu Sharma, the Marketing Manager and Planner, and Theresia Tio, the Production Manager. “Without my trust and faith in my team to help me get things done, the festival wouldn’t have been possible! I’ve learned that you can’t always do everything.”

Through this experience, Béatrice also gained insights into the complexities of marketing.

“Making sure everything was advertised at an appropriate time proved to be difficult due to our time constraints and communication with various department heads and individuals. In the end, everything ran smoothly!”

Looking ahead, Béatrice has her sights set on a career in education. She remains passionate about theatre and envisions a future where she can work backstage or as a theatre teacher, leading others and sharing her passion.

“Moving forward I hope to apply to the teaching program at UFV and/or UBCO. I would love to pursue getting an education degree so that I may one day work with kids and teach.”

Béatrice’s advice to future students is to embrace every opportunity.

“My biggest advice would be to always say yes to any possible opportunity that is given to you. You never know where the opportunity might lead you. Especially when it comes to working in the theatre industry, it can be very competitive and sparse. So, if there is an opportunity that comes your way, it’s a great chance for you to build your resume, make connections, gain experience, and find out what your career goals are.”

Exploring Future Careers in the Entertainment Industry

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At 23, Theresia has already accomplished more than many do in a lifetime. Moving from Indonesia to Canada in May 2021, she started her journey at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), where she is currently pursuing a double minor in Creative Writing and Media and Communications.

Theresia’s passion for storytelling began early, leading her to graduate from Vancouver Film School (VFS) with a diploma in Writing for Television, Film, and Games. Her drive to continue honing her craft brought her to UFV to continue writing her career path.

“I wanted to continue my writing journey, and one of the universities that offers a writing program is the University of the Fraser Valley,” Theresia explained.

Recently, Theresia faced one of her biggest challenges yet: managing a successful festival. The event was the result of two and a half months of intense work and planning, peaking in May with a level of stress she hadn’t anticipated. Despite the pressure, she found joy in the process.

“I am so delighted that the festival was a success. It had been two and a half months of pressure to get everything right,” she said.

From left to right: Jean-Louis Bleau (Executive Director of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre), Anu Sharma (TakeOver Festival Marketing Manager), Theresia Tio (TakeOver Festival Production Manager), and Beatrice Frenette (TakeOver Festival Artistic Director).

Managing the festival was a few budget constraints and a limited team was a challenge, she admits.

“With no budget, there are certain limits that none of the art festivals in UFV, like Interpret Festival, experienced.”

She had to be resourceful, finding donations for essentials like water and snacks for the participants and even securing free uniforms through a connection at a shirt design factory. Her attention to detail proved both a strength and a challenge, as she learned to adapt to different working styles within her team.

Theresia’s hard work paid off, and she discovered new avenues for her future career. Initially focused solely on writing for the film industry, she now sees the potential in working for art festivals, music festivals, and even production companies.

“If I am going to work in the entertainment industry, I need to be a writer. Through this journey, I realized that I may enter the industry through festivals; film festivals, art festivals, or even working in a production company.”

Looking ahead, Theresia hopes to work for a company that organizes various festivals or a production house managing television series. While she remains committed to her dream of becoming a scriptwriter, she is excited about the broader opportunities now within her reach.

For future students considering a similar practicum, Theresia has valuable advice:

“Do it wholeheartedly. It will be hard work, but everything will pay off nicely when you can watch the guests having fun, laughing, and enjoying the show, as well as the participants who will share their passion with happiness.”

Cultivating Creativity and Shaping Chilliwack’s Arts Scene: Jean-Louis Bleau and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Jean-Louis Bleau is a versatile professional whose career has woven through various roles in the arts sector. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, his journey encompasses experiences as an arts administrator, music artistic director, professional conductor, and university educator. Beyond his professional achievements, Jean-Louis finds inspiration in sailing, running, and other water-related sports, activities that ground him and fuel his creativity.

“My motivation to pursue a career in the creative arts sector is rooted in my experiences and professional journey.  As an arts administrator and artistic director, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that the arts can have on individuals and communities. The ability to spark creativity, facilitate collaboration, and drive cultural development has been incredibly fulfilling.”

At the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, Jean-Louis oversees a diverse range of programs aimed at enriching the cultural fabric of the community. His dedication stems from a desire to create meaningful experiences, support emerging talents, and contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape.

“Working here has allowed me to curate diverse and engaging programs, which has only deepened my commitment to this field,” he adds.

One of the highlights of Jean-Louis’s tenure has been his involvement with practicum students from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

“Supervising practicum students in a student-led festival has been a deeply rewarding experience. These exceptional students were proactive and required only minimal guidance.”

The TakeOver Festival was a student-led festival that has proven instrumental in engaging the community through unique performances, enhancing cultural offerings, and strengthening ties with local residents. Through hands-on involvement, students gained practical experience in organizing and executing major events, refining their skills in project management, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

“This experience not only provides them with a platform to showcase their talents but also builds confidence in their abilities, essential for their professional development,” he emphasizes.

Reflecting on the impact on the organization and the community, Jean-Louis highlights the benefits of integrating student perspectives and innovations into their programming.

“For our organization, it brings fresh ideas and enriches our events. For the community, it fosters an inclusive environment where emerging talents are celebrated, and diverse voices are heard. Witnessing the diversity of plays and films, feeling the energy in the lobby, and marvelling at the talents of the performers was a fantastic and inspiring experience,” Jean-Louis concludes.

Overcoming barriers, building resilience, and challenging biases: A practicum experience beyond the books

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Kayla Morin is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English concurrently with a Library Technician Diploma at UFV. Having a passion for making a positive difference through her love of literature, Kayla has been working for the Fraser Valley Regional Library system for the past four years, bringing joy and knowledge to diverse communities across the region.

Kayla began her journey at UFV in 2017 with the goal of becoming a middle/secondary school English and Info Tech teacher. However, chronic health issues forced her to reconsider this path. Determined not to abandon her progress, she found a new direction that perfectly aligned with her interests: the Library Technician Diploma program. This discovery allowed her to pursue her passion for libraries, which had always been a safe space for her growing up, while also enrolled in the BA program.

Kayla’s academic journey took an unexpected turn when she secured a practicum with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Initially applying to be a tutor for inmates, her resume caught the eye of the Education Director, who was impressed by her library experience and thought it would be useful to acquaint her with their library system. This led to a unique practicum opportunity as a library assistant at the Pacific Institution, under the guidance of librarian Dan Vitaly.

“I honestly didn’t even know correctional institutions had libraries,” Kayla admits. “I was thrilled to experience a unique library workplace I would not be able to witness elsewhere.”

Her role involved participating in various activities, from attending staff training workshops on suicide and self-injury intervention to participating in smudging ceremonies led by local Elders with Indigenous inmates. These experiences not only deepened her understanding of corrections but also allowed her to apply classroom concepts in real-world scenarios.

One of the biggest challenges Kayla faced was adapting her understanding of library work to an institutional environment. Unlike the public library system that she was used to, working in a correctional facility required balancing numerous high-priority tasks simultaneously.

“I really came to understand the true difficulty of constantly having to balance between so many different things that all need to get done. (…) Observing how my supervisor managed his time and priorities was an invaluable lesson in problem-solving and adaptability.”

Kayla’s practicum also challenged her preconceptions about the justice system. She was encouraged to learn about some of the ways correctional services, particularly in the Pacific Region, provide different forms of rehabilitation and support for Indigenous offenders.

I was especially encouraged to witness some of these programs myself at Pacific Institution, such as the Lalem Xeyíyá:qt Healing Unit and the Huli Tun Healing Lodge.  It was so incredible to see all the efforts at Pacific to support Indigenous inmates, providing the space and freedom to facilitate healing and rehabilitation that follows the Sacred Teachings and allows inmates to reconnect with their culture, ancestry, and teachings. These efforts of decolonization and reconciliation in a highly restrictive government facility was amazing to witness firsthand. I was very grateful to have the opportunity to attend several morning smudging ceremonies (also called ‘morning prayer’ or ‘morning circle’) during my practicum alongside fellow CSC staff members, Elders, and Indigenous inmates at Lalem Xeyíyá: qt. I hope to make use of the knowledge I received to support further decolonization of the Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. There is still of course so much to be done, but I was so impressed that a lot of the resources provided at the institution were more accurate, culturally appropriate and up-to-date than the limited amount of resources available to the general public.

Kayla’s supervisor, Dan Vitaly, was equally impressed by her performance.

“Kayla provided library services to a diverse inmate population, including regular inmates at medium and maximum-security levels, as well as specific units for the mentally ill, geriatric inmates, and hospitalized inmates”, Dan writes. “She enthusiastically undertook the extensive project of creating a visual catalogue of audiobooks using her computer and design expertise, which will be especially useful in engaging the large portion of the inmate population who are illiterate.”

Dan praised Kayla’s strong work ethic, professional competence, and excellent rapport with both inmate patrons and CSC staff, concluding, “I have no hesitation recommending her for any endeavour she chooses to pursue.”

This practicum experience has significantly influenced her career aspirations.

“Prior to starting the practicum, I had not considered working in an institutional library as a future career option. This changed in an instant after my very first day,” Kayla says.

As she continues her studies, Kayla is excited about the future possibilities her education has opened for her. She advises fellow students to seize opportunities like practicums to explore potential career paths and gain practical experience.

“My advice to future students is to make the most of opportunities like practicum placements to get a glimpse of what a career you’ve been considering is really like”, she says. “Continually ask yourself why you are pursuing the field of study you’ve chosen and why you are considering certain future careers for yourself.”