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.

Decembers mentor of the month is Kayla Lariviere.

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

Engagement Lead, Indigenous Engagement & Communications, Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)

Briefly describe what you do in your current occupation:

The majority of my responsibilities relate to coordinating projects, events, initiatives and partnerships that advance the University’s goals towards Indigenous engagement and the commitments under the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint.

I am currently busy planning events for this upcoming fall. Last year I led the Heart Garden campus initiative and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Committee. This year, I am again overseeing the Heart Garden, as well as planning for Indigenous Homecoming. In October, we will be hosting a Red Dress Day event to commemorate the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People.

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

Early on in my undergrad at UM I realized I wanted to work within Indigenous communities. When it comes to my current role, I feel like I landed in it somewhat by chance. Before returning to the UM as staff, I was working with the Government of Manitoba’s Natural Resources and Northern Development Department as an Indigenous Relations Specialist. While I enjoyed my work there, I had an urge to come back to UM, and the position I am currently in was just newly created so I thought I should apply; now here I am! I am happy that I still get to work within the Indigenous community, just now in a different capacity and pace than I was in before.

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

When I first started in this role, I was unaware about the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint (MCIEB). I quickly learned the MCIEB is a partnership dedicated to prioritizing excellence in Indigenous education, consisting of many post-secondary institutions in the province, Indigenous organizations, government partners, and the Manitoba School Boards Association. In my role, I have been able to attend steering committee meetings where I met folks from different post-secondary institutions, visited other campuses, and learned what is happening outside of UM. I have also taken part in being on the planning committee for the annual Indigenous Education Gathering that MCIEB hosts. One of my favourite memories so far from the MCIEB is when I got to take part in a culinary class while visiting the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I would have to say what makes me enjoy coming to work is my colleagues and the office environment we have created. We are an entirely female-run office which is so fun and empowering. Everyone on the team is supportive and always willing to help when someone needs.

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

At UM I have been able to see the vast growth of the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous). There’s been changes and new initiatives as UM works towards reconciliation, and I expect that our office will continue growing as we continue this journey together.

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

If they’re interested in a career at UM, I would say get involved on campus! There are so many opportunities to get involved as a student, especially with programs under the OVPI. One of the programs I took part in while I was a student was the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment. It is such an amazing program, and you learn so many new skills. Building relationships and your network is also important.

Within your industry or field, what are some related occupations that you interact with and/or find interesting?

Within our office I work closely with our communications team. They are all so awesome and they make sure our events and programming sound good and are shared widely. I also appreciate the advice and support I receive from them when I get called to do a live interview. They make sure I am prepared for TV or radio, a skill that I am still perfecting!

To meet with mentors like Kayla, 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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