She took her time going back to school but she ended up getting her degree and getting a job she loves. Annadette Bouvier was born and raised in Fort Providence and just moved back home after graduating from Vancouver Island University with a Bachelor's of Arts, majoring in Indigenous Studies. Initially, she attended Aurora College in Yellowknife, completing the two-year diploma in early learning and childcare development. She worked as an elearning monitor after she graduated and then applied to go back to school to complete a child and youth care program at Vancouver Island University. She ended up switching majors due to a lack of support in her program. Now, she is back working at the Deh Gáh Elementary and Secondary School as a student support worker.

While the position is new, she’s enjoying it and the relationship she has with staff and students. Taking it day by day, Bouvier is constantly learning. Recently, she had a transformative opportunity to take the grade nines to the Indigenous Rising Youth Conference, an experience that reminded her of her own travel to Dream Catchers. For many students, it was their first trip to Edmonton, to West Edmonton Mall, Galaxyland and the waterpark.  They also saw what was possible if they continued on to postsecondary and lived in residence. The trip was possible thanks to donations.

When it comes to Indigenous students leaving their home communities to pursue education, her advice is “be prepared, because it was an easy journey, but not as easy as you think.” Being far from home, family, community, friends, it’s a sacrifice to get an education. While Bouvier didn’t know anyone when she went to Nanaimo, she found community and support on and off campus. She struggled in her first year but kept going. While she was tempted to go back home, she decided to finish what she started. With support from the on campus community, she was able to graduate.

Looking back, Bouvier wishes she knew more about post secondary options when she graduated from high school because she didn’t think she needed to continue her schooling. “I wish somebody gave me that nudge and be like, ‘hey, there's colleges, there's universities. Apply do something with your life.’” she confides. Six years after high school, she finally went back, starting with the introductory program. “I'm glad that I got accepted now because I have 24 sisters that I can reach out to,” she beams.

To balance her mental health and wellbeing, Bouvier worked part time, something she found helpful. She did beading and taught beading classes. Sitting near the water helped ground her and spending time with community cousins off campus, going to movie nights, the theatre, or going for coffee also helped. Exercising at the gym and taking breaks made a difference too.

As far as inspiration goes, Bouvier looks to community members who finished their PhD or Masters programs and she is inspired to continue her education. She wants to complete her program online so she can remain in her community and work.

In conclusion, to inspire Indigenous youth, Bouvier says, "if you're done high school, go to school right away. Don't wait six years like I did. Some people say it's scary, but it's worth it. It's going to be totally worth it. Just go back to school. Do whatever you want, whatever passion you want to do."

Even if it took Annadette Bouvier longer than she would have liked to get back to school, she ended up in a job she loves and on a career path she’s excited about. Six years passed before she found her way back to the classroom as  a learner and now she’s there as a student support worker. Inspired to continue her education, she’s also inspiring the next generation of youth.

Thanks to Alison Tedford Seaweed for authoring this article.