b'BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURESI had spent a little time in the financial sector and then working with Indigenous youth indirectly as a university guidance counsellor but I soon realized that I wanted to get more involved with IndspireGregory Monias Mentorship Officer, IndspireBurrows went on to earn hisuniversity studies, he also felt thesame organization that supported masters in public health at thepull to bring his newfound skillstheir education has opened their University of British Columbia.to the organization. I had spenteyes to the full breadth of the Upon graduating, he returned toa little time in the financial sectororganizations mission. When I Toronto for a job at St. Michaelsand then working with Indigenousfirst started working for Indspire Hospital to put his education toyouth indirectly as a universityduring the summers, I didnt work. Soon after that job ended,guidance counsellor, but I soonrealize how much it had to offer he came across an opening withrealized that I wanted to get moreIndigenous learners, says Johns. Indspires research team and seizedinvolved with Indspire, he recalls.I found out pretty quickly that, in the opportunity. To come backIn 2020, I learned of an oppor- addition to the BBF program, there and work with Indspire has beentunity through a friend who waswere mentorship programs, events a privilege, he says. Its amazingworking here already and I quicklyand so many other resources for to now be working behind theapplied. I was lucky enough to beboth Indigenous students and the scenes supporting future studentsselected, so I made the move fromIndigenous educators who want to who are trying to further their ownVancouver to Hamilton and nowhelp them.educational goals. here I am.Burrows work with Indspire has Greg Monias, Indspires Mentorshipbeen equally illuminating: I never Officer, has a similar story toCOMMON THEME really considered all the research share. After receiving financialTheres a common theme amongIndspire does. So being able to support through the BBF programthose who have come full circlework in the role I am now and throughout all four years of hiswith Indspire. Working with thesee the inner workings of all their 480 Madison StreetWinnipeg, MB R3J 1J1 Take small 204.953.2800 steps every www.yellowquill.org day ~ and one day, ACCREDITED BY: you will get National Indigenous Accreditation Boardand World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium there2021indspiration73'