Finding purpose through co-op and Indigenous identity
By: Christie Zeb (she/her)
This Indigenous History Month, we share the story of Ethan Gardner, a 蓝莓视频 Psychology co-op student, who found a way to give back, grow and honour his Mi鈥檏maq roots during his co-op work term.
Ethan Gardner (he/him) started his co-op journey in a unique way. Instead of a traditional job application process, his journey began with a conversation at the Gidinawendamin/Ska鈥檔ik煤鈥谩t annual Pow Wow, a community event and celebration of Indigenous culture.
There, he met Melissa Ireland (she/her), director of Indigenous Relations at the University of 蓝莓视频, and spoke to her about his search for a co-op job.听
Ireland encouraged him to reach out, and a few emails and follow-ups later, an opportunity emerged that further reconnected Gardner with his Indigenous identity and gave him space to contribute meaningfully to his community.
From that first conversation, the third-year Psychology student in the Faculty of Science secured his first co-op position at , an Indigenous-led mental health organization.
He has since spent two co-op work terms at the organization as a research assistant and a summer camp cultural assistant.
During his co-op terms, Gardner expanded his skills as a researcher and psychology student, working closely with Qualia鈥檚 co-founder and CEO, Anangkwe Charity Fleming.听
Fleming is a social worker of Anishinaabe heritage who focuses much of her work on developing culturally safe mental health services for Indigenous peoples. Gardner supported this work, contributing to Indigenous mental health initiatives that empower Indigenous communities and reflect the values that anchor him.
Ethan Gardner, Faculty of Science co-op student
Finding purpose, giving back聽
While Gardner joined Qualia as a research assistant, the role quickly evolved from just research into a deeply personal journey.听
Raised with the knowledge of intergenerational trauma, stories of addiction, loss and the long shadows of colonization, he was drawn to psychology not just as a field of study, but as a path toward healing.听
鈥淚 really wanted to be the one to end that in my generation,鈥 Gardner says. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 just want to heal myself. I wanted to help others, too.鈥澛
At Qualia, Gardner found the perfect intersection between professional growth and personal mission. His work included carrying out research for an adapted Mi鈥檏maq cognitive behavioural therapy program and working on a literature review around Indigenous community engagement practices.听
He was also involved in helping with a culturally adapted youth mental health promotion program, which centers on cultural teachings and practices for Anishinaabe youth in the Georgian Bay area. Gardner continues to support the project, even after his co-op term.听
I had the chance to sit in on meetings, share my perspective as an Indigenous youth and help shape materials that actually reach people in a meaningful way.听It felt good to contribute to something that is making a difference.
In his role, Gardner felt genuinely supported, not just in day-to-day tasks, but in having his voice heard and contributions valued. He got to do a presentation at a suicide prevention conference on culturally adapted mental health tools.听
While his supervisor couldn鈥檛 attend the conference, she entrusted him to present in her place. 鈥淪he鈥檚 got a very busy plate,鈥 Gardner says. 鈥淏ut she believed in me and took the time to invest in me, which I am grateful for beyond words.鈥
Through his time at Qualia, Gardner discovered that while research was valuable, the interpersonal moments, working directly with Indigenous youth and being a role model at camp resonated the most. 鈥淚've learned that I鈥檓 more effective face-to-face, in community,鈥 he says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 where I feel I can make the biggest difference.鈥
He found special meaning working with kids at a youth-focused culture camp in Ohsweken on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. 鈥淚 think some people see working with kids as intimidating or a chore, but for me, it felt natural,鈥 Gardner says.听
鈥淚 genuinely loved it. Whether it was playing soccer or lacrosse, I learned from them, connected with them, and those moments helped me grow, too.鈥澛
This early co-op role has helped shape Gardner's long-term vision of providing culturally safe mental health support.听
For other Indigenous students navigating co-op, he advises:
Don鈥檛 be afraid to step outside the box. Even if there鈥檚 no job posting, it doesn鈥檛 hurt to reach out because doors can open when the timing is right.
Gardner credits campus supports like the Office of Indigenous Relations and the 蓝莓视频 Indigenous Student Centre for helping him feel connected and supported in his co-op journey. 鈥淭hey always remind me that I鈥檓 not alone in the process,鈥 Gardner says.
Looking to the future聽
As he continues his studies, Gardner is thinking about graduate school and how he can continue bridging psychology-based concepts and Indigenous approaches to wellness.听
But for now, he remains grounded in the present, guided by the quiet smoke of his morning smudge and by the opportunities he鈥檚 been given to honour his community through action.听
鈥淚鈥檓 not at my end goal yet, but I鈥檓 already contributing in ways I never thought I could this early on,鈥 Gardner says.
At Co-operative and Experiential Education, we have dedicated staff to support you in every aspect of your co-op journey. Connect with our co-op student experience managers or book an appointment with聽your co-op advisor.听