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 

Medical Radiologic Technology 

Sucker Creek First Nation, AB
Portrait of Ashley Bell
“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

Business Administration - Human Resources

Dene Tha'  First Nation, AB
Portrait of Hunter Caouette
“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

Business Administration - Management

North Caribou Lake First Nation, ON
Portrait of Matt Rigby

 “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

Occupational Health & Safety 

Enoch Cree Nation, AB
Portrait of Melanie Ward
“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

Water and Wastewater Technician

Métis I Westlock, AB
Portrait of Scott Clements
“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

HVAC Refrigeration Technician 

Saddle Lake Cree Nation, AB
Portrait of Shane Whiskeyjack
“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

Business Administration - Accounting 

Métis I Edmonton, AB
Portrait of Tatianna Pelletier
“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

Electrician

Driftpile Cree Nation, AB
Portrait of Wesley Stoney-Monk
“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.


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