My journey from Alberta to Montreal was filled with anticipation, eager to immerse myself in the vibrant culture of this city. Arriving a couple of months before my first semester, I envisioned lazy summer days spent on terrasses, exploring the Plateau, Mile-Ex and Verdun neighborhoods, and soaking in the renowned joie de vivre that Montreal exudes.
However, the reality I encountered in May 2021 was starkly different. Instead of lively streets and bustling activity, Montreal was shrouded in the eerie silence of a strict COVID curfew. From my apartment on Prince Arthur, I found myself listening to the authoritative commands of police megaphones echoing through the streets, reminding residents to stay indoors as the curfew loomed at 8:00 PM. It was a surreal introduction to a city I had longed to experience, yet despite the unexpected circumstances, I remained hopeful for brighter days ahead. Those brighter days came once school started and I was able to engage with students and professors on campus.
I spent countless hours in the Ferrier building, it is probably my favourite building on campus. As I ventured into the Ferrier halls, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was entering a mythical labyrinth, complete with its own resident minotaur. With each twist and turn, I half-expected to encounter the legendary creature lurking in the shadows. Despite the daunting layout of the building, I was determined to conquer its maze-like corridors and find my classrooms. As a Canadian Studies Major, I had at least one class in Ferrier every semester and I still don鈥檛 think I understand the layout of that building.
The Ferrier building became more than just a maze of hallways and classrooms; it became the epicenter of transformation for me during my university journey. Within its walls, I encountered professors who ignited sparks of curiosity and pushed the boundaries of my intellect in ways I never imagined.
Among them, Professor David Austin stood out as a beacon of inspiration. His impact on my life was profound, yet words seem inadequate to capture the depth of his influence. Professor Austin possessed a rare blend of kindness, compassion, and intellectual rigor. He didn't just impart knowledge; he challenged me to question, to analyze, to think critically about the world around me. Under his guidance, I discovered the power of my own intellect and the thrill of intellectual inquiry.
But Professor Austin was not alone in shaping my academic journey. I am deeply grateful to Professors Andrew Potter, Nathan Ince, Derek Silva, Robert Lecker and Jodey Nurse, each of whom left an indelible mark on my education. Their classes were more than just lectures; they were vibrant arenas where ideas clashed, perspectives
shifted, and worldviews were challenged. I always looked forward to their classes and always felt so profoundly energized after those lectures.
I also found my Indigenous community, I am eternally grateful to First People's House. Soup and bannock Wednesdays became a weekly tradition, offering not just nourishment for the body but also a gathering place for shared stories, laughter, and camaraderie. The cultural workshops provided invaluable opportunities to reconnect with traditional practices and teachings, from beadwork to crafting my own drum and creating a ribbon skirt.
But beyond the cultural workshops and gatherings, First People's House offered something far more profound: a sense of belonging, acceptance, and support. It is a sanctuary where Indigenous students can come together, share joys and struggles, and find the embrace of community. I found not only friendship but also empowerment, as I was encouraged to embrace my identity, culture, and heritage with pride. First People鈥檚 House staff have an unwavering dedication to providing a safe, caring, and Indigenous-led space that has been a beacon of light on my journey. In First People鈥檚 House warmth and support, I found not just a community but an extended family鈥攁 testament to the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples.
I am forever grateful to my experiences here at McGIll. In the embrace of this community, I discovered not only friendship but also empowerment, as I learned to embrace my identity, culture, and heritage with pride. As I bid farewell to McGill, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories cherished, forever grateful for the profound impact this journey has had on my life.
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Jenni Makahnouk is ojibwe from obishikokaang first nation. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Arts - Education and Lifestyle at McGill University with a focus on indigenous curriculum. She completed her Bachelors of Arts - Canadian Studies Major, Indigenous Minor in 2024. She founded an anishinaabemowin language study group where she encourages all collegiate level students to learn about the anishinaabe language. Jenni is currently the Co-Chair of the McGill Indigenous Student Alliance where she recently started a weekly social beading circle and commits to guide younger Indigenous students into leadership roles within the university. She was the first Indigenous Co-Editor of the McGill Canadian Studies Undergraduate Journal in 2022/2023 as well as the first anishinaabekwe valedictorian at McGill. Jenni volunteers tirelessly to ensure the well-being of Indigenous students at McGill as well as the indigenous communities in the Greater Montreal Area.