Aotiitj Voices: Journeys Through Indigenous and Academic Spaces

This panel brings together diverse and powerful stories from the Aotiitj post-secondary outreach program, highlighting the lived experiences of Mi’kmaw students and a non-Indigenous faculty member working within community. Through personal reflections, panelists share the realities of balancing post-secondary education with motherhood, employment, and identity, while navigating the barriers and supports unique to Indigenous learners. From the perspective of a first-year undergraduate student adjusting to university life in a community-based program, to a second-year student balancing studies with single parenthood and multiple jobs, to a Mi’kmaw student reflecting on their experiences both on and off-reserve, each story speaks to resilience, growth, and the power of cultural connection. Also included is the voice of a non-Indigenous faculty member who reflects on over 15 years of collaboration with Mi’kmaw communities, offering insights into her shifting role as both an insider and outsider. Together, these narratives highlight how the Aotiitj program creates meaningful pathways for Indigenous students to pursue their academic goals while staying grounded in language, culture, and community.