My name is Connor Bear and I have been the Communications Assistant Summer Student at JEDI for the last 16 weeks. I am a Wolastoqiyik woman from Tobique First Nation going into my fourth year of a Sociology Major and a Business Administration Minor at the University of New Brunswick. After I graduate, I hope to continue working with Indigenous Peoples or for an Indigenous Organization. I have always taken great pride in who I am and what our people stand for, so I believe being surrounded by like-minded people in my work environment will help me flourish.
My experience working at JEDI has been an enjoyable one and although I mostly worked from home, I feel that I have benefitted tremendously from this summer employment. I had the opportunity to write many blog posts for JEDI’s blog, support a 5-week webinar series, prepare and attend JEDI’s 25th Anniversary Honouring and Welcoming Ceremony, and coordinate the attendees for JEDI’s Drive-In at the Delta. I also had the opportunity to meet new people, learn new things and most of all, improve my writing skills.
Before starting my employment at JEDI, I had always heard great things about the organization and have/had family members who are part of the team. It has been a pleasure to have been part of an organization that takes such pride in helping Indigenous Peoples grow and succeed. My short experience with JEDI has been truly great and I am thankful to have worked alongside such friendly and welcoming people. I wish all the best to this lovely organization.