Past Engage North Interns
Each Intern is encouraged to keep a blog of their experiences to share with the Engage North Community. Join us in enjoying their experiences and stories.
Kylie Peake - Blog
Kylie worked with Beaver First Nation as a Health, Wellness and Youth Recreation intern. Upon arrival in the community, Kylie helped with the community orchard by planting fruit and berry-producing shrubs and trees. She also helped with the high school graduation celebrations and writing grant applications for the development of the community gardens. Kylie also helped coach youth sports teams for the 2021 Alberta Indigenous Games. Kylie returned to Beaver First Nation in 2022 to introduce the new interns and to witness the unveiling of a monument honouring community members who attended residential schools.
Andrew Abey - Blog
Andrew interned with Beaver First Nation Health Department during the summer of 2021. His position was funded by the Daryl K Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation. Upon arrival in the community, Andrew help the Health Centre Covid-19 Coordinator to restock the isolation pods and distribute Covid-19 information. He also helped to organize youth recreation activities including a baseball camp and basketball games, and coached teams for the Alberta Indigenous Games. Andrew returned to Beaver First Nation in 2022 to introduce the new interns and to witness the unveiling of a monument honouring community members who attended residential schools.
Emma Haggett - Blog
Emma worked with Beaver First Nation as the Youth, Recreation and Sports intern. After arriving in Boyer, she helped with writing a grant to develop a recreation facility aimed at increasing youth outdoor physical activity. She also helped with the Jays Care baseball camp and coached teams for the Alberta Indigenous Games. Emma's position was funded through the Daryl K Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation.
Mary Frank - Blog
During the summer of 2021, Mary worked with Beaver First Nation as the Lands and Consultation Intern. She worked on the community garden and orchard and other lands-related initiatives in the community. She also helped to write grants and deliver community food boxes. Mary returned to the University of Alberta in the fall to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. Mary's internship was supported through Engage North.
Sruthi Tadepalli
Sruthi completed a remote internship with Maliganik Tukisiniarvik (Legal Aid for the Qikiqtaaluk Region) during the summer of 2021. She helped explore the gaps in knowledge and understanding of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles by legal service providers and help develop educational materials. She returned to Edmonton to continue her Law degree at the University of Alberta during the 2021-2022 school year. Her internship was made possible through cost-sharing between Engage North and Maliganik Tukisinarvik.
Rachel Cassie
During the summer of 2021, Rachel worked with the Hamlet of Pangnirtung on the creation of a health coalition to centralize services within the community. As the summer progressed, her work shifted to health promotion and knowledge exchange. Rachel is now working on her Masters in Public Health with the Hamlet of Pangnirtung. Her internship was made possible through cost-sharing between the Hamlet of Pangnirtung and Engage North.
Stenette van den Berg - Blog
Stenette has been working with the Beaver First Nation Lands and Resource Department during the summer of 2020. The projects she has been working on focus on traditional Beaver lands, digital connectivity, local food security, cultural events, and education. Some of the projects she has worked on include delivering workshops on digital literacy; developing and implementing plans to build community greenhouses; helping with field surveys; planning cultural events such as forest education tours and moose hide tanning workshops; writing grant applications; and educational projects related to school readiness amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of Stenette's main goals for this summer have been to cultivate relationships and friendships with community members, and to help with any tasks requested by the community. She has helped with events, kids activities, and providing workshops for band members. As of early July, Stenette and her community partner have been living on Boyer Reserve and have been able to continue their work in-person. Keep up to date with Stenette's Engage North Internship through her blog. The internships will be extended into the fall with support from the Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP).
Jenna Bracken - Blog
Jenna interned with Beaver First Nation's (BFN) Health and Education Departments this summer; her position funded through the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation. Once arriving in the community Jenna assisted in COVID-19 awareness education and testing. She collaborated with BFN Youth Coordinators on virtual programming and deliverable activities for youth in the communities. Furthermore, Jenna helped plan community events and present options to parents/guardians and caregivers for the upcoming 2020-2021 education year. She and her community partner Stenette, also collaborated with BFN to help develop education plans for the school year. When she's not in the office, Jenna is out helping with the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE), picking mint or saskatoon berries with youth, or maybe out on her bicycle. Find out more about Jenna's internship by reading her blog, which will be extended into the fall through support from the Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP) and Beaver First Nation.Katie Du- Blog
Katie worked with Beaver First Nation and Dene Tha' First Nation on Health and Wellness projects around community gardening, youth sports and community wellness. Katie was required to work remotely due to Covid-19 changes in the program but was able to work on special projects such as creating introductory fencing videos, and kitchen science experiments, as well as working on ongoing projects for both nations. Her position was supported through the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund at the Calgary Foundation.Mary Frank- Blog
Mary has been working remotely with Beaver First Nation on various projects, including creating a plan for an edible landscape, developing a gardening book, assisting with grant applications for local food projects, and planning activities like a scavenger hunt. She has also worked on youth-related projects including creating activity videos for Dene Tha' First Nation.Arjun Khabra - blog
Health and Wellness Intern Dene Tha' First Nation-
Arjun is a fourth year Biological Sciences student in the Faculty of Science and a scholar with the Peter Lougheed Leadership College, completing his B.Sc and a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies. After completing his BSc, he plans on pursuing a Masters in Public Health and eventually working in health promotion and policy. He is passionate about science communication, community engagement and human rights. Arjun is a self-described optimist and likes to spend his time with his friends and family, reading or being active.
Laura Torgrimson - blog
Youth and Recreation Intern Beaver First Nation
Laura is a sociology and fine art student at the University of Alberta. When not studying she is either teaching at an Edmonton dance studio, creating art in various mediums or volunteering at the University Hospital in a program called Artists on the Wards. She loves all types of art and working with children. Her goal is to eventually work in a pediatric hospital as an art therapist.
Libby Macphail - blog
Lands and Consultation Intern Beaver First Nation
I am a 4th year Urban and Regional Planning student. My academic interests include community planning, revitalization, and engagement. As the Lands and Consultation intern in Beaver, I hope to learn more about Aboriginal community planning, ground-truthing, and environmental stewardship. My interests include coffee, knitting, reading, hiking, and piano.
Liza Chatterjee - blog
Health and Wellness Intern Dene Tha' First Nation
I was born in Russia and variously raised in the United States before moving to Canada. I'm going into my fourth year of studies in the bilingual nursing program at the University of Alberta, as well as my second year of leadership studies in the Peter Lougheed Leadership College. In conjunction with nursing, I'm deeply interested in storytelling, community work, and plants. I love language and poetry. I want to learn more about reconciliation and decolonization, especially in the context of health.
Jessica Somera - blog
Youth and Recreation Intern Dene Tha' First Nation
Jessica Somera is an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta currently studying Honours Neuroscience and Mental Health. She believes in the interactive relationship between education, sport and culture and has volunteered in Indigenous communities since she moved up to Northern Alberta at the age of 11. Jessica is a team player who loves to travel, learn about new things and work with other people. No matter where Jessica goes in life, she will always have a strong connection with Northern Alberta and those who have made an impact on her.
Yashashwinee (Yashi) Parmar - blog
Pangnirtung Environmental Wellness Project
I am an MSc student in the Urban and Regional Planning program at the University of Alberta. My academic interests in Sustainable Community Planning Development and parks planning stem from my background in Environmental Studies. As the Environmental Wellness Intern for the Hamlet of Pangnirtung I am learning about waste management and recycling, climate change and alternative energy potential in the northern Canadian context. Through my work for the Hamlet, I have gained a newfound interest in planning for waste management. In my free time, I love making art, trying new food, hiking, photographing flowers and petting dogs.
Rachel Bates - blog
Community Garden and Environmental Education Intern Yellowknived Dene First Nation
Rachel is an undergraduate Environmental and Conservation Sciences student at the University of Alberta, majoring in Conservation Biology. Her academic interests primarily lie in natural resource management. When not studying, she tries to spend the majority of her time on the land by birdwatching, pressing plants and discovering new places to have picnics. Her indoor life is consumed by knitting, speaking French and living in residence at the University. Rachel has cultivated a deep love for the North and hopes to spend the majority of her career there.
Laurie-Ann Lines
Yellowknives Dene First Nation Health Fellowship
Laurie-Ann is currently a PhD candidate in Health Promotion and Socio-Behavioural Sciences at the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. She also holds a B.Sc in Physiology from University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Education from McGill University.
Thadsha Chandrakumaran
Yellowknives Dene First Nation Water Fellowship
Thadsha has completed a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in environmental engineering at the University of Waterloo and is now completing a Master's of Applied Sciences in civil engineering also at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on the watershed-scale relationship between land development and water quality in the context of Southern Ontario and the Great Lakes. Upon completion of her master's degree this summer, she will continue to pursue a career in integrated water management through a Juris Doctor at Osgoode Hall Law School in the fall. She is passionate about mathematics, writing, as well as environmental and social justice.
Read Thadsha's blog here.
Kavita Singh
Yellowknives Dene First Nation Health Fellowship
Kavita has a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and a Masters in Public Health (Community Health and Epidemiology) from the University of Toronto. She recently completed her PhD in Biology, with specialization in chemical and environmental toxicology, at the University of Ottawa. Her PhD research explored the human health risks of persistent organic pollutant exposures among the Canadian Inuit. During the summer of 2017, Kavita was an Engage North community health fellow with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in Ndilo, Northwest Territories, where she had an opportunity to work closely with community members.
Carter Gorzitza
Yellowknives Dene First Nation Community Garden and Environmental Education Intern
Carter is originally from Hinton Alberta, and is entering the fourth year of his Environmental and Conservation Sciences undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta. Carter is interested in studying environmental sociology and resource management. When not studying, he spends his time frequenting coffee shops and volunteering with the campus radio station, CJSR.
Read Carter's blog here.
Brianna Wright
Yellowknives Dene First Nation Community Garden and Environmental Education Intern
Brianna is in the Bachelor of Secondary Education program at the University of Alberta and passionately studies Biology as her major. Brianna loves flowers, youth, smiles and learning; she looks forward to the fun and adventures in her future as a teacher. She has developed a love for Canada's North and hopes to move North of 60° one day.
Read Brianna's blog here.
Julia Shamionova
Youth and Recreation Intern Dene Tha' First Nation
Julia Shamionova is a student of the University of Alberta and graduated with a Bachelor degree in psychology with minor in philosophy. Her passion for learning about human' nature resulted in her exploration of philosophical explanations of this complex concept. Through the summer of 2017, she was able to explore and experience First Nation's worldviews, traditions, and lifestyle.
Read Julia's blog here.
Gillian Haggett
Health and Wellness Intern Dene Tha' First Nation
Gillian Haggett graduated with a degree in Immunology and Infection in 2018, and hopes to move on to a future working in public health; she is particularly interested in indigenous healthcare in Canada. If she's not studying, you'll find her walking her dog Nala in the Edmonton river valley.
Read Gillian's blog here.
Laura Hjartarson
Lands and Consultation Intern Beaver First Nation
Laura recently completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at the University of Alberta. She has interests in species identification, GIS, and environmental sociology.
Read Laura's blog here.
Erica Shin
Youth and Recreation Intern Beaver First Nation
Read Erica's blog here.
Emily Quecke
Lands and Consultation Intern Beaver First Nation
Emily is an enthusiastic student who is currently completing her fourth year of an Environmental Engineering degree in the co-op program. She is passionate about learning, outreach and I loves a challenge and new experiences. She also loves the outdoors and all forms of physical activity, from hiking, kayaking and yoga to rugby and hockey. She grew up in Edmonton, spending most of her childhood camping, reading, playing hockey and already cultivating her love of math and science.
Read Emily's blog here.
Lily Zhang
Youth and Consultation Intern Beaver First Nation
A student of Human Geography, Ziyue Zhang was born in Suzhou, China but obtained elementary education in Toronto, graduated from High School in Calgary, and now lives in Edmonton while attending the University of Alberta. Zhang is passionate about creating accessible environments and connecting communities! She has enjoyed engaging with her local and global community through leadership positions for such organizations as the Boys & Girls Club Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area, Homeglen School of One, as well as the C2C Association. Hence, Zhang continues to develop her holistic worldview which has been shaped by rich personal, educational and public service experiences.
Read Lily's blog here.
Kavya Anchuri
Health and Wellness Intern Dene Tha' First Nation
Kavya grew up in Baroda, India and Edmonton, Alberta. She is completing the final year of her Bachelor of Science in Physiology at McGill University. During her undergrad, she has worked as a Research Assistant at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital and at the University of Alberta. She is passionate about public health promotion, sexual health, reproductive rights, prioritizing historically marginalized voices, and the game of squash. She hopes to bring these passions to a career in medicine some day.
Read Kavya's blog here.
Julia Russell
Health and Wellness Intern Dene Tha' First Nation
Julia is a candidate for a Master of Science in Community Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia. For her Master's research Julia studied the seasonal dynamics of food security amongst the homeless in Northern British Columbia. She completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science & International Development at the University of Toronto, and examined the use of food for building relationships among street youth in La Paz, Bolivia for her undergraduate thesis. Prior to returning to school, Julia worked as an organic farmer.
Brenda Van Hauvert
Youth and Recreation Intern Dene Tha' First Nation
I was born and raised in Argentina, where I completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences. Before moving to Canada in September 2014 to pursue a M.Sc. in Integrated Water Resources Management at McGill University, I worked in environmental education and at the governmental level, in the management of international cooperation projects in science and technology. My interest in participatory and community-based water management goes well beyond research and professional work. I deeply enjoy working in a community context, interacting and learning from people and being outdoors in nature as much as possible.
Tori Thomsen
Lands and Consultation Fellow Beaver First Nation
Tori was entering into her 4th year of mining engineering co-op at the University of Alberta - I am on a journey of challenging my perspective. I strive to step beyond the limits of my knowledge, tabula-rasa modus operandi, to reveal fundamental meaning. People are sublime motivation for me, to act from my heart. Like many, nature's tranquility revitalizes my spirit.
Matthew Miller
Pangnirtung Comprehensive Drainage Plan Project
Matthew grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario and has a professional background in Water Resources Engineering and Water Management. He has completed his Bachelor of Water Resources Engineering at the University of Guelph, worked in the Environmental Engineering Consulting Industry for almost 4 years and will soon hold a Master's of Science in Integrated Water Resources Management from McGill University. He is passionate about anything outdoors, music and spending time with family and friends.
Mariba Douglas
Pangnirtung Print Shop Archive Project
Mariba Douglas attended the University of Toronto where she was a student of the International Development Studies Specialist Program. She wholeheartedly believes in the value of the arts, is a proponent of artistic expression among youth, and has worked collaboratively on projects to obtain funding for programs and events geared towards celebrating the rich culture and history of Indigenous people in Canada. Mariba thoroughly enjoys reading and working collaboratively with others.
Alex Kruize
Alex Kruize moved to Canada from New Zealand in 2013, and currently lives in Calgary. He has previously worked as a lawyer for Maori in the South Island of New Zealand working on land issues. Alex is interested in issues around land use and access to justice. In his spare time he enjoys social sports and hiking.
Nisha Patel
Nisha is completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University in Business Economics and Law. She is passionate about non-profits and leadership, and hopes to work in the public sector. As well, Nisha is competitive debater and enjoys public speaking immensely.
Charlene Sinclair
Charlene is entering her final year of the nutrition major, and she intends to work in community nutrition. She has a great interest in working with communities to remove barriers to nutritious diets. A healthy diet does not have a single definition, and she wants to empower others to make healthier choices within their own cultural and historical food contexts. Having previously worked in Canada's North, she is very excited to return in this new capacity.
Malaya Bishop
Malaya is an Inuit student in the Faculty of Arts in Psychology. Prior to becoming a student at the University of Alberta, she was a graphic designer. Her major interests are in Canadian Aboriginal relations, art and mental health.
Jason Wang
Jason is entering his second year of Engineering at the University of Alberta. He has interests in photography, computer software and hardware, physics, and automobiles. In his free time he runs or bikes, plays soccer and video games, or relaxes by hiking or skiing in the Canadian Rockies.
Rachel Harris
Rachel Harris is an amateur chef, cat owner, and Masters of Arts in Geography with collaboration in Aboriginal Health candidate at the University of Toronto. Rachel has worked extensively with on and off-reserve communities in the areas of education, recreation, health, and social services. Most recently, Rachel is pursuing her thesis on the relationship between sexuality, migration, and service provision in Toronto's Aboriginal community. This summer, Rachel is the Graduate Fellow working with the Dene Tha' First Nation on an exploratory project that looks at health challenges, opportunities for future research, and the potential impacts of mobile health technologies in Northern Alberta.
Kenzie Bunting
Kenzie Bunting studies English and Native Studies student at the University of Alberta and she is expecting to graduate in December of 2014. Kenzie especially enjoys studying Cree and learning about relationships and alliances between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples in Canada. Aside from school Kenzie enjoys volunteering at the community radio station, CJSR, where she hosts her weekly show Fem Waves.