CEWIL Resource Hub: Indigenous WIL at the University of Victoria

While theLE,NOṈETprogram includes several distinct components, this profile details the P.E.A.R. aspects and unique characteristics of IS 321, a community internship that serves as a WIL opportunity within the larger program. All students precede the internship with a preparatory seminar that provides the knowledge and skills necessary for working with Indigenous communities and organizations, or with campus-based academic researchers. The seminar is typically intimate and is a great way for Indigenous students to connect. Completing the internship afterward isn’tmandatory butis encouraged through assessment and the seminar atmosphere. Students in theLE,NOṈETprogram also attend mock interviews and a career fair specifically for Indigenous students, which typically features 10-20 employers. 

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Key success factors

  • LE,NOṈET is a holistic program that’s designed to meet students where they are, and it was created in consultation with Indigenous people and community organizations. 
  • Students can also engage in mentorship through the LE,NOṈET Campus Cousins program.  
  • Plenty of additional support is available to students, whether their needs are academic, personal, or emotional. Students can access emergency bursaries and scholarships and culturally grounded workshops. The entire program is designed to cultivate the sense of family and community Indigenous students may need in order to be successful. 

Unique characteristics

  • The LE,NOṈET program as a whole creates culturally relevant programming to support the success of Indigenous post-secondary students through reciprocal learning, community building, relationship building, and individualized programming. 
  • Students who complete either the community internship or a research apprenticeship receive a stipend for doing so. They can complete one of these opportunities within two years of finishing the preparatory seminar.  
  • If students want to participate in an international Indigenous exchange, they must complete a domestic co-op term as well. 

Challenges

  • Given the program’s unique nature, it can be difficult to find employers who can create a safe, culturally relevant, and community-centric space for students to complete their internship. 
  • As an example, the Royal BC Museum isn’t an Indigenous-specific institution, but it has portfolios that deal with Indigenous issues. Is it safe to assume the museum will be a hospitable space for an Indigenous student intern? It’s important to build relationships and capacities to ensure students are being protected and have the space to learn and grow. 

Resources

Key characteristics

  • Type: Indigenous WIL
  • Year program was established: 2010
  • Number of students per year: 40-50
  • Number of employers/partners per year: 6-10
  • Programs/academic disciplines participating: Human and Social Development, Humanities and Social Sciences, to Business, Fine Arts, Engineering, Law, Sciences and Education
  • Duration of experience: 120 hours
  • Submitted by: Renee Livernoche