Blog Post: Meet Abbey, Camp Programs Instructor

Aaniin,

My name is Abbey (she/her), I recognize that I am of settler-colonial ancestry and that I am on Indigenous land, living on Turtle Island. I am originally from Barrie, however, I now live in Nogojiwanong | Peterborough and am going into my fourth year at Trent University for the Gender and Social Justice Co-op Program. As someone who is very passionate about youth education as well as Indigenous Knowledge, I am so excited to get to work with TRACKS again this summer as one of the Summer Camp Programs Instructors!

My experience includes volunteering as well as working in the nonprofit sector, such as with Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) to raise awareness and create spaces to talk about topics such as, climate justice and gender equality. I have also worked with youth throughout my experiences to help them build their leadership styles and teach them about braiding multiple knowledge systems. I have a strong passion for activism and youth education in order to raise awareness of social issues to act locally so that, together as communities, we can create a global impact.

When I am not at work, you will probably find me enjoying the beautiful nature of Nogojiwanong and Turtle Island through lots of long walks! I love learning about Indigenous Knowledge and to not only appreciate but do our part in taking care of the land and its relations. When I was younger I was constantly outside and seeing all the different beings and their interconnectedness to one another really sparked my interest, and ignited this curiosity in me to continue educating myself as well as pursuing a career as an educator.

Through my volunteer and work experience in these wonderful advocacy, non profit organizations I have come to hold a strong passion for education, community growth development, and storytelling. TRACKS’ mandate is very aligned with the work I want to do further in my career, and empowers me in my abilities for selfgrowth. Overall, I am thrilled to be working another summer with TRACKS and cannot wait to see what this journey will bring.

Chi-miigwech!