from the Wolf Clan. My home is the Batchewana First Nation Territory, which is located in and around Sault Ste. Marie area and along Lake Superior. I stand as an Ojibway woman.” Lesage-Corbiere produced the YouTube video as part of a classroom project. Trent University offers the Indigenous Environmental Science/Studies program as both a diploma and two degree options: a B.Sc. in Indigenous Environmental Science or a B.A. in Indigenous Environmental Studies. Lauded on its website as innovative and multidisciplinary, the joint program combines “principles of both Indigenous knowledge and Western science through courses offered in the Indigenous Studies Program and through the Trent School of the Environment.” Lesage-Corbiere hopes to complete her B.A. in Indigenous Environmental Studies this year. She credits her mother and two grandfathers for an upbringing that offered a deep connection to the land and the people. She says her mom took on the role of both mother and father growing up, but she recognizes that Indigenous people place more emphasis on family as a community and not so much on the stereotypical nuclear family ideal of the colonizers. “I grew up always having cousins and aunties at the house,” says Lesage-Corbiere. But she also talks about outings with her father and about a grandfather she remembers dearly. “One thing I can say: When my dad would take me on outings on the land, there was a shed in my grandfather’s yard that had everything so you could go out in the bush.” And life would go on for the young woman from Batch- ewana along the shores of the Lake Superior as her ancestors had lived since time immemorial. Lesage-Corbiere reflects on being part of the Wolf Clan. She says an Elder had told her that the Wolf was there to keep Nanabush company and to protect him. To Lesage-Corbiere, that sums up what she aims to do not only with her portfolio with the OFNYPC, but also in the pursuit of her education and future plans. “I am here for this youth who are so concerned about Mother Earth,” she says. “I can’t talk for all Indigenous people, but I can speak from my perspective.” Her classes at Trent University are split, with about half being Indigenous and the rest coming from a non-Indigenous background. Sometimes she finds herself having to speak up as someone coming at an issue or topic from an Indigenous perspective. “I think it’s really valuable because when I speak up I respect the teachings and the community that don’t have a voice. We bring such a unique perspective,” Lesage-Corbiere says. Lesage-Corbiere asserts that she is more than her schooling, or where she was brought up, or her current job title. Questions? We’re here to help. www.climbtechltd.com (905) 639-9898 sconn@climbtechltd.com We specialize in water tower maintenance management. Our services include: Inspections ROV Maintenance Plans Coatings & Linings Repairs Modifications Safety & Rescue Systems Emergency Response Consulting BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH FIRST NATIONS FOR OVER 15 YEARS. Safe Structures. Safe Water. Safe People. SUMMER/WINTER 2018/19 – Chiefs of Ontario Advocate magazine   l   47