Ministry of Skills, Training, Employment and Post-Secondary (STEPS)

As a Métis student, I sought support from Métis Nation British Columbia to help me pursue my academic and personal goals during my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Balancing academics, volunteer work, leadership roles, and career development opportunities often came with financial challenges.

MNBC’s support allowed me to focus on my studies while also exploring student clubs and extracurricular opportunities outside my degree. This exposure led me down a career path I never expected, sparking new passions in event coordination and community engagement within motorsport. It also helped me build confidence in stepping beyond my academic field and discover where my strengths and interests aligned.

Alongside my studies, I volunteered with various student organizations, developing skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. I also completed a semester abroad in Scotland, which strengthened my independence and global perspective.
As a result of these experiences and support, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Distinction. I am now preparing to move to the United Kingdom to begin building a career in motorsport. MNBC’s support was instrumental in helping me access opportunities that shaped this direction.

I am deeply grateful for the support, which helped remove barriers, expand my experiences, and shape both my academic and professional journey.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Victoria was a significant goal of mine, but like many post-secondary students, I dealt with financial barriers throughout my education. I sought out support from the MNBC STEPS program to help with easing the financial burden of university which allowed me to focus on my studies and future career goals.

With the support of MNBC, I was able to successfully complete my degree and gain valuable knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience working in laboratory settings. Through my academic journey, I learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and seeking support when needed. Completing my degree has taught me that any challenge can be overcome through determination, hard work, and community support.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of my journey so far was that I was recently accepted into the UBC medical program. This achievement represents the next step towards my goal of becoming a physician and serving communities across British Columbia.

As a Métis student, I am passionate about addressing barriers within the Canadian healthcare system and contributing to culturally safe and equitable care for Indigenous peoples. I strive to use my education to advocate for patients, build trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve, and improve healthcare outcomes.

The support I received through MNBC STEPS helped make this opportunity possible for me, and I am grateful to continue my journey with the goal of giving back to my community through medicine.

Maarsii (thank you) for supporting my educational journey!

Without [MNBC], I could not have completed my Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies. I wrote all my papers on decolonization and understand the impact colonization has had on my family. It has helped me in my healing journey as well.

MNBC supported me through my bachelor’s degree in Literature, Language, and Culture and a certificate in Law from Queen’s University. During my time in Kingston, I worked in social work with Indigenous youth and unhoused people. This experience informs my aspirations today.

I now attend McGill University’s Faculty of Law in their BCL/JD program. I am interested in pursuing youth protection to ensure that Indigenous children stay in their community if they are removed from their home, or criminal justice to reduce the over-incarceration of indigenous people in Canada.

As a lawyer, I will be able to be an advocate for our community and Indigenous people all over Canada. This was only possible because of the support I received from MNBC, and I am forever grateful to them for helping me achieve my goals.

Completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) at Thompson Rivers University has been one of the biggest accomplishments of my life, and I truly could not have done it without the support of MNBC and the STEPS program along the way.

As a mature student and mother of three, returning to school came with many challenges. Balancing nursing school, clinicals, family life, and finances was overwhelming at times, but the support from MNBC helped ease a huge amount of stress and allowed me to stay focused on my education and my family.

What makes me especially proud is that at one point, MNBC STEPS program was supporting not just me, but also two of my children while all three of us were attending Thompson Rivers University at the same time. While I completed my nursing degree, my daughter earned her Bachelor of Natural Resource Sciences, and my son completed his Heavy Duty Apprenticeship. Seeing all of us work toward our goals together is something I will always be proud of.

Today, I am proud to say I completed my BScN, passed the NCLEX, and am beginning my career as a Registered Nurse. I hope to carry forward the same support and compassion that was shown to me throughout my education and use it to provide meaningful, culturally safe care to others.

Thank you, MNBC, for believing in students like me and helping make these goals possible.

Completing the Indigenous Human Service Worker program has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my life, not only for my personal growth but for the positive impact it has had on my community of Dawson Creek, B.C. This journey strengthened my confidence, deepened my understanding of Indigenous wellness and healing, and gave me the tools to better support youth, families, and community members in meaningful and culturally safe ways.

Throughout the program, I learned about trauma-informed care, advocacy, mental health, and the lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma and colonization. More importantly, I learned how to approach people with empathy, respect, and understanding while recognizing the resilience and strength within Indigenous communities.

Since beginning this program, I have been able to use what I learned to support and advocate for youth through cultural programming, community events, mentorship, and creating safe spaces where young people feel valued and heard. The knowledge and skills I gained have helped strengthen relationships within the community and encouraged healing, connection, and empowerment.

Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities was not always easy, but the experience taught me perseverance and determination. The support of my instructors, classmates, family, and community helped me succeed and reminded me that education can create real change.

Completing this program represents more than earning a certificate. It represents growth, resilience, healing, and a commitment to giving back to my community. I am proud of how far I have come and grateful for the opportunity to continue making a positive difference in the lives of the youth I support.