Supporting Indigenous success through Career Mentorship: The Indigenous Career Mentor Program

The Indigenous Career Mentor Program launched in the fall of 2022 as an extension of Career Services already established Carer Mentor Program. This year, the Indigenous Career Mentor Program will profile the story of one  mentor each month from September to April. Interviews from our mentors will provide insight into Indigenous success, as well as how students can best prepare for navigating the transition from university to employment.

The Indigenous Career Mentor Program is an informational interviewing program that supports Indigenous students in gathering industry information. Indigenous mentors that meet with Indigenous students provide advice on how to navigate career opportunities and challenges, mentors may also share their personal experiences navigating their own career journeys.

Indigenous students can choose their mentors from the following fields of practice: Business & Administration, Health Care, Social Services & Education, Government Services, Science & Technology, Arts & Culture, and Recreation & Sports. To learn more about the Indigenous Career Mentor Program and register, please follow this hyperlink to the program home page.

February’s mentor of the month is Vanessa Lillie.

What is your position title and where do you currently work?

Director of Cultural Integration, Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)

Briefly describe what you do in your current occupation:

My role is to support Indigenous cultural integration at the University of Manitoba. I spend my time updating processes and policies that are culturally supportive and respectful, supporting UM community regarding respectful cultural protocols, creating more cultural spaces, supporting the well-being of Elders in Residence across all of the campuses, and support the integration of First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures, histories, languages and ceremonies in a respectful way. I am also building a growing team to support this work and leading conversations to decolonize processes and policies.

What initially sparked your interest in the career you have chosen for yourself?

I’m passionate about education for Indigenous learners. This led me to my role as the first Indigenous Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts, then my role as Student Advisor with the Cultural Portfolio in the Indigenous Student Centre. Being in this role as the Director of cultural integration makes a meaningful impact in creating improved learning spaces for Indigenous students.

What are some lesser-known duties or work outcomes your role is responsible for that people may not be aware of?

In my role I am leading and building a growing team, ensuring processes and policies are culturally supportive and respectful of the Indigenous people and ways of knowing, doing and being. Creating workshops that support the UM community like the Territory Acknowledgement workshop and advising senior UM leadership. I also support all of the Elders in Residence across all UM campuses.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The role of the Director of Cultural Integration is very broad and I like the variation in my daily work. I also enjoy supporting creating spaces that are inclusive of Indigenous people in a respectful way. I still enjoy any time I have to spend with students and working with my amazing colleagues in the AVPI – S Leadership team!

What are some changes you’ve experienced in your field, or changes you anticipate happening in the near future?

As organizations place a higher importance on truth and reconciliation, incorporating Indigenous pedagogy and decolonization, there will be an increase in opportunities for Indigenous graduates.

What are some strengths, specialties, and characteristics that are considered assets in your field?

Traditional and cultural knowledge! This can’t be learned from a book but can only be learned by spending time with knowledge carriers, in ceremony and community and with elders.

What is a piece of advice you would offer to Indigenous students interested entering your field?

Spend time with your families and elders listening to stories. Learn the history of your family, teachings, and cultural ways of your family and community. Learn your ceremonies, language and grow in who you are and find out what your gifts are. There are many kinds of education and they are all important.

During your career journey what support(s), resource(s), and/or event(s) influenced your decision-making process?

In my career journey, I did not end up following the path that I began upon. That was ok! I spent time talking with my family quite often but I also had the benefit of being surrounded by wonderful mentors, aunties, and elders. When determining what was next, they encouraged me to put out my tobacco and do the next thing that felt right. This role wasn’t even created when I began my education, so it wasn’t a career option I imagined. I’m grateful to be in this role and have a perfect melding of my gifts, experience and education.

To meet with mentors like Vanessa Lillie, register for the Indigenous Career Mentor Program. Explore, connect and build confidence as you proceed in your career journey!

If you are an Indigenous professional interested in sharing your story and connecting with students, consider volunteering as a mentor in the Indigenous Career Mentor Program.

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