Engaging with community

When Lea Joe was sifting through master’s programs offered in North America, she was drawn to the Master of Dispute Resolution Program at UVic. The program’s focus on the exploration of conflict seemed like an ideal match to Lea’s interests. “It was a personal thing—this draw to conflict,” she says. “It wasn’t that I was involved in conflict, but that I was interested in conflict and wanted to apply my view on conflict, my experience and my observations.” 

Lea, who was born and raised in Duncan, BC, is a member of the Cowichan Tribes. The UVic graduate student has had a chance to improve her conflict resolution skills UVic’s Co-operative Education Program – and she says her heritage has been a great asset.

She spent her first work term as a coordinator and senior staff representative with the Hul’qumi’num Treaty group, organizing logistics for a committee that consulted with Parks Canada. When her supervisor was unable to serve as a negotiator on the committee, Lea filled in. Her background helped her do her job well: “I knew the cultural protocol when I was interviewing people, or when I was speaking about an issue.”

During her second and third co-op terms, Lea worked as a First Nations liaison for Parks Canada. She provided outreach with First Nations communities across Vancouver Island, working with them to promote the preservation of species at risk. Being First Nations herself, Lea offered a valuable perspective to Parks Canada. “My heritage helped in that the staff looked to me for advice, and I was able to suggest strategies as we consulted with different Indigenous groups,” she says.

Co-op provided a great chance for Lea to put her coursework and academic knowledge into practice. There are some areas, though, where school and co-op can’t help: “Despite my two years of coursework in resolving disputes, nothing can prepare me for negotiating with my six-year old daughter,” she laughs.

For now, Lea’s plan is to focus on completing her degree. She has completed her course work and co-op terms, and has only her final project to complete. For her Master’s project, Lea is drafting an alternative dispute resolution policy for the employees of Cowichan Tribes, who number over 300.

While she is not yet sure about where her career path might lead, she knows she wants to continue working on First Nations issues. With co-op, she was able to connect her heritage to her studies, and it’s paid off. “I know the next position I accept will definitely be the start of a great career,” she says.