Arctic Yearbook 2014
173
I’m more connected with my community. My connection to my culture has increased
dramatically. I’m building my own professional development, so I would say that has
helped and that has improved and changed. Overall school has influenced me to be
more on top of my game… more on top of who I am and all around, so that I can just
do good in all that I do. (#3)
Completing a post secondary program often meant being able to work in the field of
their choice and putting theory into practice which in turn is an inspiration to
community members. There was also the sense that they could now help others in a
more educated and useful way and also develop a sense of belonging.
Yeah, I think it has an impact on my community because I’m fairly well known. I think
people can see that I went from one type of a life to another and that people can
change. I think I’m a support to a lot of Métis people you know. They see that I’ve
succeeded and they know that Métis can succeed as well. (# 1)
And then being that role model for my community too … I’ve seen a lot of parents and
their kids wanting to go into school you know. So it’s really nice seeing that you can
influence people that way. (#12)
And in my community, I feel that I have empowered some. There are women that have
decided to come to school even though they felt they couldn’t. I’ve seen other people
sometimes look at me and they they say “you’re finished your nursing”? And when I say
“yes”… “wow… that’s great”! they say. They often say that they are not sure they can
do it with kids.. and I said “look at me. I have kids and I did it.” (#9)
Participants were able to describe success not only in terms of academic outcomes but also in terms
of their increasing understanding of Aboriginal history and culture. This allowed them to learn from
the past and appreciate and broaden their knowledge. They also see success in terms of the
applicability of their learning to become better parents and also open new opportunities for their
children. Success was also def [