Changing for the Better

By Rick Harper, 1st year MDP student

Hello to whom it may concern. Just being facetious. My name is Rick Harper and I am at the tail end of
my first year in the MDP program.

Anyway, this is my first blog entry. My placement is with the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Formerly known as Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). ISC is one of two departments in the Government of Canada responsible for policies relating to Indigenous peoples in Canada. The other department is Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). ISC was created in 2019 after INAC was dissolved.

I work in the Evaluation Directorate within ISC. Due to privacy and confidentiality agreements I cannot get into aspects of what I do. However, I will say that I work within a team to evaluate programs and other things pertaining to Indigenous programming. Most of ISC’s evaluation projects can go from 2 to 5 years. I do believe they are in the early stages of this current evaluations project so there is still a lot to do. It is their goal that their evaluations will lead to a more stream lined approach in getting the programs to those who will benefit from it the most.

 Because of the longevity of the evaluations, progress will not be seen as leaps and bounds so outcomes will likely be less noticeable. I also want to emphasize that empowerment of Indigenous people will come sooner rather than later. Yes, that is an ambiguous statement but trust me, it is all good.

Although I work virtually from home due to COVID policies, this has not diminished my experience and time with ISC. Even still, the first few weeks working at ISC was a change from my comfort zone but regardless, it has been a good experience. It is good working with open minded people who have great insight and an innovative vision for the future going forward.

To conclude. it has been an honor and a privilege to work with this team at ISC and I hope that I was a good ambassador for our MDP program as well as for my people.

Working from home for the summer

By Janelle Poiron, 1st year MDP student

Tansi. My name is Janelle and this is my first field placement! I’m currently doing my placement with the Evaluation Directorate within Indigenous Services Canada.

I think for me working online has definitely been both a boon and sometimes a difficult experience. As the office I work out of is in Gatineau, Quebec working remotely has been really beneficial as I was able to stay in the hometown throughout the summer. Especially as things open up again it’s been lovely to see friends. Also the commute can’t be beat, I definitely don’t miss trying to get home during rush hour! However, it definitely took getting used to even with having done remote work throughout the school year. Everyone has been super lovely but you do get to miss that human connection that you would get in person. Whether it be stopping by someone’s desk for a chat or grabbing coffee. However, I’ve been very fortunate to meet many of my colleagues for virtual coffee and get to know them more! There’s so many super intelligent people within my directorate and I’ve loved being mentored by them.

One of my challenges is also accommodating my desk within my bedroom and striving to keep it strictly a work area. I’ve found it really easy to place trinkets and other items on my desk but over time I’ve gotten much better at keeping it tidy! Here’s to hoping that trend continues!

Meegwetch for reading!