Two UNBC students have made it their goal to begin an inspirational journey of self-empowerment through helping others reach their full potential.

Yahlnaaw/Aaron Grant and Amy Blanding are the proud recipients of the prestigious 3M National Student Fellowship for 2018.

They are among a cohort of 10 university students nationwide that were selected for their exceptional leadership and vision to enhance educational experiences.

Photo Credit: UNBCYahlnaaw/Aaron Grant

Yahlnaaw is an Indigenous scholar from Xaayda Gwaay-yaay and will begin her graduate studies at UNBC in the fall.

She is exploring how a colonial post-secondary education system does not encompass or appreciate Indigenous knowledge’s. Yahlnaaw’s work focuses on providing the rightful space of Indigenous knowledge in academics.

She is revolving her research around her own story as she works with First Nations Studies Assistant Professor Edōsdi/Dr. Judy Thompson.

“I realized I was able to put myself in my work because I am my work,” Yahlnaaw says. “This helped me find my voice as an Indigenous woman.”

Photo Credit: UNBCAmy Blanding

Blanding is also sharing her personal story through her Masters in Education in Multidisciplinary Leadership.

Blanding strongly believes that there are many opportunities for educators and students to reflect on the idea of limitations and to “unlearn” their traditional ways of thinking, learning and teaching.

“It’s not about accommodating difference and diversity, it’s about embracing it and seeking it out,” she says. “In the classroom, there is real power that comes from recognizing that being broken isn’t something to be fixed or accommodated, but rather is a threshold experience that can create a profound educational shift.”

As part of the Fellowship, both Yahlnaaw and Blanding will attend the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education conference in Sherbrooke, Quebec next month.

They will meet with eight other 3M Fellows and begin working on a year-long project.