Kenzie Littlelight is the RSHDC’s Communications and Project Assistant for the 2020/21 academic year. Learn more about RSHDC staff.

What is your major/minor?

I am currently majoring in political science and minoring in law and society with a primary focus on Indigenous politics and law.

How does it feel to be a part of the team at RSHDC?

So far, I’ve really been enjoying my position at RSHDC as the communications and project assistant. I really love how transparent and communicative the staff are on what they are working on and how others can contribute to it. The staff welcomed me very openly and are very accommodating towards my studies, emotions, and my progress as a work learn student.

What classes most prepared you for working at the Centre?

The classes I’ve taken at UBC such as First Nations and Indigenous Studies, Indigenous literature and History 302 have definitely helped me navigate through the connection between non-contemporary and modern Indigenous issues that stem from colonialism to the effects of residential schools. But mostly I was introduced and taught about residential schools and its personal impacts from my family and both of my grandparents who attended residential school in Alberta. 

What is a constant goal for yourself and your work?

For any type of work, whether it’s homework or work tasks, I always make sure I set realistic goals for myself which include not being so hard on myself if I don’t get everything done at once. For someone who struggles with anxiety, there’s a huge amount of unnecessary pressure that gets put on me to finish things instead of taking my time and learning from the process. But I think the most important thing is to applaud myself for the work I put in at the end of each day. 

Is there anything you are excited to accomplish in the near future?

The biggest thing for me right now is graduating but also making the most of what I have left in my undergraduate degree. I’m excited to continue working with the RSHDC and making further progress with communications and administrative work. I think it’s a very valuable experience I’ll be able to take with me wherever I go and whatever I do with my future endeavours. 

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I like to bullet journal and read books, I’m currently reading Indians on Vacation by Thomas King. I’m very artistic so I like to draw and paint when I have the time or inspiration to do so. Eventually I’d like to dedicate more time to explore my creativity with art and music but for now, I’m mostly spending my time in between school and work with my friends or with my face in a book.