Candice Cook

Hello!

My name is Candice Cook (she/her), and I’m a member of Driftpile Cree Nation through my dad’s side and Métis with connections to the Cunningham family on my mom’s side. I also carry mixed European ancestry (German, Scottish, English, and French). I was born and raised on the southern shores of the Lesser Slave Lake in Treaty 8 Territory and am grateful to have been a visitor to the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territory since 2021.

I am honoured to join you as the LE,NOṈET First Year Coordinator. In this role, I will develop and deliver programming and services for first-year undergraduate Indigenous students to help build connections, feel prepared for academic studies, navigate university life, and support cultural connections. I will also be available at the First Peoples House for drop-in or one-on-one appointments to offer support, resources or to answer any questions that may come up for Indigenous students in their first year.

I am passionate about education and lifelong learning. I was a teacher for four years, three of which I taught near my home community and one of which I taught abroad in Prague. While completing my Master’s Degree in Education Policy Studies, specializing in Indigenous Peoples Education at the University of Alberta, I also worked as an Indigenous Graduation Coach with Braided Journeys in Edmonton. Upon moving to Victoria in 2021, I began my post-secondary education career as the Indigenous Student Services Coordinator at Royal Roads University. I am beyond grateful for all the connections I have made and the lessons I have learned along the way. I’m excited to begin this new journey with UVic and to continue learning and growing within this role.

First-year undergraduate Indigenous students, I am so excited to meet you and am honoured to join you for the beginning of your journey here at UVic.