(Photo supplied by the University of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

New U of L partnership provides mentorship opportunities for Indigenous students

Apr 6, 2022 | 10:34 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge has announced a new mentorship program for Indigenous students.

Students who identify as Indigenous will have the chance to connect with Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals across a range of career paths thanks to the new partnership between the U of L and the Influence Mentoring Society.

It’s an online initiative that pairs interested Indigenous students with professionals in a protégé/mentor relationship. Additionally, the mentoring partnerships are integrated with strategies and projects, including workshops and bootcamp-style and other experiential learning sessions that are safe, inclusive and culturally aware.

Shanda Webber, manager of Strategic Indigenous Learning Initiatives for the EleV Project at the U of L said, “this innovative program will allow Indigenous students from ULethbridge the opportunity to build genuine relationships with dedicated mentors in the field of their study that will ultimately lead to building capacity, talent and enhancing future career opportunities.”

“As well, the partnership will contribute to a foundation of knowledge and mutual respect between industry and Indigenous students, thus helping to create a more equitable and inclusive work environment.”

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

The vision of Influence Mentoring is to work collaboratively, across cultures, to create better opportunities for Indigenous post-secondary students throughout their post-secondary careers, and to create opportunities for reciprocal mentoring, in the spirit of reconciliation, to increase awareness of Indigenous culture, history and issues.

Influence Mentoring Society Chairperson, Colby Delorme said that mentorship has traditionally played an integral role in the Indigenous community.

“Culture, traditions, spirituality, teachings, and stories have all been shared and best understood through the Elder and protégé relationship. This transference of knowledge has been integral to Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Influence Mentoring is built on this foundation.”

Since receiving seed funding from actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, as well as added support from RBC and a family foundation, the Influence Mentoring program has seen success in working with several notable and national organizations to offer one-on-one and group mentorship to post-secondary Indigenous youth in a variety of industries and sectors.

The national program will match a mentor with an Indigenous student for one academic year, with the opportunity for the student to match with the same or other mentors in the same industry for each year of their educational career.

Shanda Webber added, “with the mentorship program occurring simultaneously over the full academic year, Indigenous students will have extra supports and guidance to assist them in achieving success.”

“The approach is also holistic in nature, ensuring our next generation of leaders has access to the tools and resources necessary for a successful life of community service, family-building and personal fulfillment.”

When EleV was established in 2019, programs like these were at the heart of its mandate.

Webber said, “the Influence Mentoring program is a prime example of what the EleV project is all about — creating opportunities for Indigenous learners to be full partners in their education and journey to meaningful work.”

Indigenous students wishing to become a protégé are encouraged to apply online at influencementoring.com.