Anastasia Crook (political science)
When Anastasia Crook (she/her) was hired as a business analyst at National Defence Canada’s Esquimalt Base, she didn’t expect the experience to mark a turning point in her professional development. But when she was given the opportunity to contribute to the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG), everything clicked into place.
The political science co-op student was initially hired into Workforce Management and was able to wear many hats and work on a range of special projects. Her work focused on standardizing processes to improve compliance: she wrote Standard Operating Procedures to combine digital and manual workflows, developed a unit-specific tracker that maps department heads to training and certification requirements, and contributed to budget models and data visualizations.
A UVic Changemaker Award recipient
Anastasia is one of the recipients of the 2026 UVic Changemaker Awards, which celebrate co-op students who have made significant contributions to their workplace, community and/or to their own personal learning.
Anastasia was awarded the Reconciliation award, which recognizes students who advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Action during a co-op work term.
Improving hiring processes
Later in her co-op term, she was brought in to work on the unit’s new outreach strategy, helping to coordinate hiring events and info sessions, and analyzing and categorizing unsolicited résumés across more than 10 departments into potential talent pools.
When hiring actions or establishment changes were needed, she was able to liaise with managers across departments to assess their needs and execute position creations. She also communicated budget, security, and priority constraints while processing paperwork and organizational charts.
Honour Indigenous history & fostering education
With her experience in outreach and the strategic initiatives that come with it, Anastasia brought her organizational mindset into another project—supporting the DIAG in promoting the first authorized use of Indigenous-crafted beaded poppies on Canadian Armed Forces uniforms.
“The DIAG plays an important role in providing employee perspectives and recommendations to Defence Team leadership,” says Anastasia. “Being invited into this space allowed me to engage with CAF military members and public service employees around employment equity, representation, and reconciliation within the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Along with her manager, who was a member of the DIAG board, Anastasia supported several initiatives that aimed to honour Indigenous history and foster education across the base.
She helped coordinate logistics for a base-wide documentary viewing on Indigenous naval veterans, creating space for learning and reflection. She also participated in DIAG meetings.
Working with Indigenous communities
"One of the most memorable experiences was sitting with Lynette Lafontaine, an Otipemisiwak artist, to learn about their knowledge of and connection to traditional beading practices," says Anastasia. These discussions informed future plans for on-base beading circles.
“These experiences strengthened my ability to work collaboratively, engage respectfully across cultures, and support initiatives rooted in both education and action. Another memorable contribution was working with my manager to develop a beaded poppy pattern and accompanying guideline, which was later circulated beyond Esquimalt. I am proud but humbled to support this historic decision.
“For the first time, Indigenous-crafted beaded poppies were approved for wear on Canadian Armed Forces uniforms during Remembrance Day observances. This symbolic step is meant to embody Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, but I also think it serves as an important reminder of the contributions and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans, many of whom served under difficult circumstances, including leaving their communities and enlisting underaged.”
Creating a good way forward
In developing this guide, Anastasia worked under her manager’s guidance and with the DIAG to ensure cultural accuracy, respect, and alignment with military standards. This included researching historical significance, incorporating appropriate terminology, aligning the design with uniform requirements, and sharing ethical sources and Indigenous vendors for materials.
The final product was both a practical "how-to" guide and an educational tool, enabling broader participation in this initiative.
The power of hands-on learning
“This experience contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth,” says Anastasia.
“There were many back-and-forth revisions on word choice, and many discussions on how to move this initiative forward. It pushed me to approach my work with greater cultural awareness, attention to detail, and accountability, while also showing me the impact that thoughtful, inclusive initiatives can have at an institutional level.
“Receiving a letter of appreciation from the Base Commander informing me that the guide had been circulated across bases made me feel quite empowered as a co-op student, and I look forward to bringing what I have learned from the DIAG into future roles.”