We are proud that our contribution to Indspire helped support bursary fund recipients Adam George and Larissa Tobacco. These exceptional students have demonstrated dedication and perseverance in their educational journeys. The bursary fund played a crucial role in supporting them in their paths and we are excited to share their inspiring stories.

Adam George:

“As an Indigenous graduate student at the University of British Columbia, the Indspire bursary I received helped me in a time when I needed it most. I was going through a tough transition and my housing situation was uncertain at that moment. I spent time at my older brother’s house in Bella Bella, where he let me stay in a trailer beside his house.

When I got the award, it helped me secure a place to live where I could be comfortable to work and study from. I am soon to complete my program and am on my way to being an Urban Forestry Planner and advocate. After I complete my program, I plan to explore further career opportunities with municipalities, government, First Nations, and not-for profits.

I’m currently working at UBC as an Indigenous Outreach Coordinator for STEM education, so it’s funny how things ended up working out. The Indspire award was a pivotal moment in the direction I’m headed now. I’m currently developing the skills it takes to work for an organization and to see its governance dynamics.

In the future, I’m looking at other job opportunities that might take me to places other than Vancouver. I’m always seeking what will be the best fit for me when it comes to career training. I’m thankful for the job I have now and the place I am residing on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh traditional territories.”

Larissa Tobacco:

“The name I was born with is Larissa Helen Tobacco. However, my Indigenous name is East Star Woman. I am from Mosakahiken Cree Nation, born to the chief of my band. The connection to my community has been a passionate one. Most of my adult life has been dedicated to working for causes that would help my community. It is a beautiful journey, and I enjoy watching my community grow more robust. My goal in this life is to learn about how the Earth and our relations share a commonality. This includes interactive sessions with community leaders, artists, and scholars, aimed at fostering a comprehensive appreciation of Indigenous cultures and leadership models

I started my ecological academic journey with Native Education College, graduating with an Indigenous Land Stewardship Diploma. I am an upper-level student at the University of British Columbia. I participated with Indigenous Ecology Lab, part of the Below Ground Ecosystems Group, under the supervision of Indigenous Scholar Dr. Jennifer Grenz.

I was an apprentice participant in the Indigenous Undergrad Research Mentorship Program and am one of three students working with the Forestry Faculty, to help develop the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship degree. Additionally, I joined the Indigenous Committee Group (IC) at UBC, where I co-write the constituency for the committee and serve as a treasurer. The IC aims to enable Indigenous students to gain sovereignty from UBC’s Alma Mater Society (AMS).

I was also one of two Indigenous Peoples in Canada selected to co-author the Declaration for Indigenous Youth at the United World Forum of 2006. This summer, I will be taking an intensive two-month program in Haida Gwaii Summer Session in Plants, People, and Place. While attending their school and living with them, I hope to also gain knowledge regarding Traditional Ecological Knowledge from their nation’s perspective.

As I was taught, it is my role within place in my nation to protect and nurture the growth of our next generation. Coming from a nation that has a tradition of passing knowledge orally, I plan to integrate not just an oral tradition but also within the community-based learning. Due to the intergenerational destruction caused by the residential schools (I am a first generation survivor) many of the Indigenous peoples of Canada are struggling with reconnecting. We are in desperate need for Indigenous educators. Hopefully, with my knowledge, I will be able to give insight and awareness to not only Indigenous youth and community but also the western cultures.

The Indigenous Land Stewardship Degree that I will be a part of in fall, will have an underlying approach of “Two-Eyes Seeing.” I have worked very closely with the committee implementing inspiration for our Indigenous youth with this perspective in mind.

I want to thank Paper Excellence for my scholarship, and I hope to make you proud!”