Student Success
Building a community
At NAIT, we believe in fostering an environment and culture that builds on our diversity and creates an inclusive campus.
Through the Connecting the Four Directions strategy, we recognize our responsibility to develop opportunities for Aboriginal people, to represent the culture, and share and celebrate the successes of Aboriginal students at NAIT while creating a sense of belonging.
Through the meaning of the Cree word Nîsôhkamâtotân - “Let’s help each other”, we can learn from one another and lift each other up by sharing in our successes and our post-secondary experiences.
2020/21 Role Models
The following NAIT students represent a culturally diverse community at NAIT. They share an appreciation for post-secondary education, humility, commitment to their studies and service in the Aboriginal Community. Hear from them, as they provide advice for students and their future goals.
Ashley Bell
Sucker Creek First Nation, AB
“Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear." - George Addair
Advice for students
Work hard, study hard. Keep your head down & chin up. If all else fails, call on your ancestors for strength, guidance, & patience. After all, their blood runs through your veins, their heart beats in your chest, & your soul is their soul.
Future goals
I want to complete my program & work as an x-ray tech back home!
Hunter Caouette
Dene Tha' First Nation, AB
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“Your past mistakes are meant to guide you, not define you.” - Unknown
Advice for students
Never become complacent with your work, there is always room for improvement, regardless of what you believe.
Future goals
Travel the world, see what challenges life throws at me.
Matt Rigby
North Caribou Lake First Nation, ON
“Love is always in the air! It’s just that no one notices." - Mojo, Chrono Cross
Advice for students
Rent a locker, go to every class, and no one will teach you time management better than yourself.
Future goals
A bigger home for my cat.
Melanie Ward
Enoch Cree Nation, AB
“Life is short, time is fast, no replay, no rewind, so enjoy every moment as it comes." - Anonymous
Advice for students
Dedicate time to studying, even when you’re tired “just do it,” it’ll pay off in the long run.
Future goals
Keep achieving more, keep challenging myself, maybe I’ll end up having my own company or manage one.
Scott Clements
Métis I Westlock, AB
“Life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change." - Jim Rohn
Advice for students
Show up every day. At some point, you may feel like you have too much work to do & get discouraged. Recall your motivation, think about your end goal & know that tomorrow is a new day that brings another fresh start.
Future goals
To get a Water/Wastewater Operator position in a small community where I can raise my family & continue to learn more of my Métis heritage.
Shane Whiskeyjack
Saddle Lake Cree Nation, AB
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for." - Sean Patrick Flanery
Advice for students
Keep working hard, do your work and show up every day. Don’t quit.
Future goals
To build my own house and start my own business in the HVACR trade once I have my red seal ticket.
Tatiana Pelletier
Métis I Edmonton, AB
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“You become a master of your life when you learn how to control where your attention goes. Value what you give your energy & time to." - Unknown
Advice for students
When in doubt, ask questions. Whether it be your instructor, peers, the Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre - don’t be afraid to ask if you need help.
Future goals
Obtain my CPA designation & being a Métis woman, diversify the business sector. I would love to have my own accounting firm & help Indigenous owned businesses & Indigenous communities.
Wesley Stoney-Monk
Driftpile Cree Nation, AB
“Don't count the days, make the days count." - Muhammad Ali
Advice for students
Try not to get too overwhelmed or stressed about the big picture, but more so just focus on doing the best you can day by day.
Future goals
To be my own boss and to eventually design my own house somewhere warm.