Helena Dombro, Janna Ehrenholz, Avigail Fadare, Olivia Nash, and Madison Silva

We are all studying Human Ecology, majoring in CTMC

HECOL 301, Fall 2024, Deanna Williamson

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

Our community partner was Edmonton Immigrants Services Association (EISA) and the project objectives were to develop a program plan that would promote Indigenous intercultural understanding and reconciliation for newcomers to Canada.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL placement?

The biggest takeaway from our CSL placement was recognizing how our worldviews are broadened within local contexts and the role relationship-building plays in fostering intercultural understanding and reconciliation. Through this experience/placement, we were able to gain a deeper appreciation for a both/and approach to cultural competence and humility when engaging with , and addressing the needs of, diverse local communities. 

These insights will help shape our perspectives and approaches across various life experiences in the future. 

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge/skills to your future endeavours (courses/employment/volunteering)?

As a group of Clothing, Textiles and Material Culture students, this placement was incredibly relevant career-wise. We developed valuable skills and gained knowledge not only in program planning but also toward recognizing local Indigenous resources, which we will be able to draw on in future jobs and for our own personal/professional development. 

Why should students consider being involved with CSL, and how does it enhance their academic learning?

Other students should consider getting involved with CSL, as it encourages one to think critically and integrate diverse methods and approaches to develop holistic solutions. This experience enhances academic learning by highlighting how we, as students, can apply our educational learning to creating meaningful change.