By Vanessa Broadbent (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: February 18, 2015
Jennifer Janik
Aboriginal rep candidate
Second-year indigenous studies major (upon program approval)
Campus engagement
Socializing in the aboriginal room
How would you describe the role of SUS? What do they do?
From what I understand, they’re there to support students and be in the best interest of students and try to bring in programs the will benefit the majority of students. Like the shuttle bus, it opens more doors so students can come to Abbotsford to take courses instead of being stuck in Chilliwack or having to pay the gas to come.
What appeals to you about this position?
I’m hoping to eventually major in indigenous governance so eventually I want to be in a leadership role for the aboriginal community. This is definitely a way to get that work experience and be able to represent the aboriginal people.
How do you address the lack of student engagement on campus?
I think I definitely want to. Being the aboriginal rep, trying to get aboriginal people more engaged because a lot of us kind of hide back in our aboriginal room — that’s our comfort zone. I think I want to encourage them to step outside of their comfort zone and meet the other student population, and see what else is out there and what else is offered [by] promoting it a little more.
Do you have any specific projects or bylaws you’re hoping to implement?
Maybe an aboriginal awareness day or something to bring more of the aboriginal culture into the school. We’re on Stó:l? territory. It’s unceded territory and a lot of people don’t even know that, here in British Columbia. If you travel somewhere else like Europe, you experience the culture, so why not experience the culture here?
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
