left to right: Jan Hare, PhD’01, Dean pro tem, Amber Shilling, BA’06, PhD’20, Michael Murphy
The UBC Faculty of Education Indigenous Alumni Network (IAN) is an inclusive community that connects the UBC Faculty of Education Indigenous alumni to one another as well as the wider Faculty of Education community. Our mission is to nurture lifelong connections, empower personal and professional growth, and celebrate Indigenous cultures and achievements.
Alumni will maintain connection on the Faculty of Education’s dedicated alumni Facebook and LinkedIn groups, attend events, and contribute their voice to shaping the future of the Faculty of Education’s alumni communities. Together, we will honor the Faculty’s past, celebrate our present, and pave the way for a brighter future for Indigenous graduates and generations to come.
Network’s Guiding Principles
Provides a platform for Indigenous alumni to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Through a range of events and activities, the network will foster a sense of belonging and solidarity within the Indigenous community.
The IAN facilitates the exchange of knowledge, insights, and expertise among members. By sharing experiences and expertise, we uplift one another and contribute to the collective growth of Indigenous professionals.
Honors and celebrates Indigenous cultures, traditions, and achievements. The network serves as a space to share stories, art, language, and heritage, ensuring that the rich Indigenous legacies remain vibrant and valued.
Offers opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement. Through workshops, seminars, and networking events, members will be equipped with tools to excel in their chosen fields while maintaining cultural integrity.
By participating in a wide range of programs and initiatives, alumni have the chance to give back to the Faculty and the wider Indigenous community, extending beyond alumni to include students, faculty, and community partners.
Draft Terms of Reference
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Upcoming programs and events
December 1, 2023: Annual NITEP Gathering at FNESC
Dr. Jan Hare Dean pro tem welcomes you to the 2023 NITEP Alumni and Friends Reception at the First Nations Education Steering Committee's Education Conference.
Join us for a chance to re-connect with alumni and friends and to congratulate the Reconciliation and Decolonization Alumni Award recipient, Majorie Dumont, BEd'96, MEd'14!
Date: Friday, December 1, 2023
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Format: In Person
Location:
Westin Bayshore Ballroom
Room: Salon 1
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 3H3
Register Now
Surveys and contest details
Are you an Indigenous Education alum? We want to hear from you! We want to ensure the IAN meets the needs of the Indigenous Education alumni community.
Complete the short survey to get entered into a draw to win a $25 gift card. Complete the long survey to get entered into a draw to win TWO Lower Level Canucks tickets (7:00 PM PST, Thursday, February 15, 2023, Canucks Vs Detroit Red Wings!)
Contest closes 11:59PM PST, Wednesday, January 31st, 2023. Winners will be announced in the Thursday, February 1st, 2024, alumni newsletter – be sure to be subscribed to see if you won!
Access the Survey
Committee Membership
Circle Membership
Amber Shiling, BA'06, PhD'20
Dr. Amber Shilling is Anishinaabekwe from Mnjikaning First Nation and is a very grateful, uninvited guest living in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory. Dr. Shilling earned her Ph.D. in Educational Studies from UBC in 2020. Her research stems from her personal experience trying to learn Anishinaabemowin while thousands of kilometres away from the majority of other Anishinaabemowin speakers. In her research, she explores how urban Indigenous youth utilize technology as a means to connect to identity, culture, and language. currently works for the Government of British Columbia as the Executive Director of Indigenous Education, in the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Jessica La Rochelle, BA'06, MEd'18
Jessica La Rochelle is the granddaughter of Siyamtelot and Swelimeltxw (Shirley and Rudy Leon). She shares her traditional name, Lhkwemiya, with her mother. Jessica is Stó:lō, Okanagan, and Trinidadian. Jessica joined SFU as the Director, Indigenous Student Recruitment & Admission in August 2020 and transitioned in to her current role as Director, Indigenous Student Services in January 2021. Jessica completed her both her Bachelor of Arts degree and MEd in Educational Administration and Leadership with a focus on Leadership in Indigenous Education at UBC in 2006 and 2018, respectively.
Members at Large
Alumni who contribute to planning, organizing, and other volunteer opportunities. Membership may consist of up to five (5) people.
Student Membership
At least one (1) undergraduate (a member from the ESA) and one (1) graduate student representative from the BEd and graduate programs respectively, contributing student perspectives and ensuring a seamless transition from student to alumni.
If interested in a position, please contact education.alumni@ubc.ca.
