July, 2024
Jennifer Anaquod, BEd’12, Dip Ed’13, MEd’15, of the Muscowpetung First Nation, is a NITEP alum and current faculty member from the Vancouver field centre
What attracted you to NITEP?
The culture and a search for a sense of belonging
How has NITEP impacted Indigenous communities in British Columbia?
NITEP has created an incredible family of educators who are creating change across British Columbia. As a NITEPer, we know that once a NITEPer, always a NITEPer. I love seeing the good work being done by alums in all sectors of education across BC.
How has your involvement with the NITEP program influenced you, or what are you currently engaged in?
As an alum and current faculty member, NITEP taught me the importance of wrap-around services for students. This continues to influence the work I do as I strive to work collaboratively as opposed to in the silos that can exist in educational institutions.
What advice would you give individuals contemplating participation in NITEP?
To just go for it. Whether you want to be a teacher or not, it opens so many doors.
How do you envision the future of Indigenous education?
When I re-imagine education, I envision institutions where Indigenous education is part of the foundation; I envision Indigenous ways of knowing and being woven in as tightly as systemic racism has been.
Please share a favourite memory from your time in the program.
There are so many memories that it’s hard to pick one. NITEP has celebrated my successes long after I graduated. In my second year, I had my son, Jonathan. Every one of my cohort members stepped up to be aunties and uncles. I left Jonathan with one of my cohort members when he was about three months old to take a test and came back to a whole circle of aunties and uncles sitting around him and watching him sleep. Knowing I can still count on these people today is my favourite part of NITEP.
Learn more about Jennifer Anaquod’s story here.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Visit the Celebrating 50 Years of NITEP page.
