2003-2004

2003-2004 IPAP placements took place in four South Pacific nations – Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand

Richard Bull holds a B.A. in English Literature from Queens University in Toronto, and is from Timmins, Ontario. At 27 years old, Richard has worked extensively with indigenous communities in Canada in many capacities, and has an interest in communications and research. Most recently, he was with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, where he served as a Production Associate. He also has experience in media relations, and has worked as a library technician and teaching assistant. Richard is working with the Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF) in preparing for a regional consultation entitled “The Role of Civil Society in the Prevention of Armed Conflict”. Richard will also be conducting research of importance to the ongoing legal, human rights and international relations work of CCF.
www.ccf.org.fj

Jennifer Chong has a degree in Physical Education, and a background in empowering aboriginal youth through cultural teachings, personal development, and increasing their skills and confidence. Jennifer has diverse interests ranging from sports to international issues. She has a strong desire to support indigenous peoples in the South Pacific and around the world. Jennifer is in Port Vila, Vanuatu, where she is contributing her skills as a researcher and writer at Wan Smolbag, a world renown youth theatre group that engages young people across the Pacific in a range of critical issues including teen pregnancy, domestic violence, reproductive health and the importance of staying in school. Jennifer says: “We have so much in common, so much to share. We can only help each other, both on a community level and on a global level, becoming stronger through our sharing.” At Wan Smolbag, Jennifer is helping coordinate a national AIDS conference, which Wan Smolbag will host in October 2003.
www.wan-smolbag-theatre.org

Carley Duckmanton is 30 years old and was born in Ucluelet, BC. She is a member of the Sushwap Nation and has German, Scottish and Welsh ancestry. In 2002, Carley graduated from Malispina University College with a degree in Tourism Management. Prior to her graduation, Carley traveled to Malaysia on a field school program, studying developmental tourism and Malaysian culture. Upon completion of her studies, Carley worked in Guyana, South America, as a team leader for International Youth Leadership. Other travels have taken Carley to Mexico, Baha and Paris. Through her work, Carley hopes to study and promote “localism” within the indigenous global community, sharing in cultural exchange and advocating programs that empower indigenous people. Her desire for understanding and sharing both culturally and professionally make Carley an impassioned global citizen who hopes to see communities thrive.

Carley’s is currently in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, where she is working at the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation contributing her skills and knowledge as a Development Research Officer. She hopes to return to her community in Ucluelet in March 2003 to reinvest the knowledge she has gained on personal and professional levels.

Naomi Gordon is 27 years old, is of mixed Samoan and European ancestry, and hails from Calgary, Alberta. Naomi has recently graduated with a degree in Photo-journalism and has also completed three years of study in Anthropology.

Naomi’s passion for the immediate is expressed through her use of photography, and she believes that photos are a universal communication tool. Naomi has an interest in sharing resources between communities, and expanding the knowledge of Canadians of issues facing South Pacific communities. Naomi’s placement is in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, where she is working as a journalist for the Cook Islands News until January 2004, when she will begin working with the Cook Islands Herald. This experience is providing Naomi with a cross-cultural experience in utilizing her journalism skills.

Tim Kulchyski is from the Cowichan First Nation, of the Coast Salish people from Vancouver Island. Tim has several years of university education in marine biology, but chose to pursue a traditional education through his work with elders in his community. He has focused extensively on environmental issues, fisheries and archaeology, and has worked with youth and treaty groups. Tim is placed on Ambrym Island in Vanuatu with the Lolihor Youth Awareness Team (LYAT). Tim had a successful orientation in Port Vila, Vanuatu, where he received two weeks of language training and other teachings in preparation for his departure to Ambrym Island. Tim left at the very end of the second quarter for his rural placement, and is successfully making connections in the communities in which he will be working. Tim is responsible for developing and implementing educational tools and workshops to be used in rural communities on effective strategies for becoming successful participants in the developing global marketplace, while maintaining traditional and sustainable ways of living.

Leslee Laverdure, originally from Watson Lake, Yukon, is Kaska on her mother’s side, and is of the wolf clan. Leslee graduated in 2003 at age 22 with a BA of Economics from the University of Calgary, where she also wrestled for the varsity team, and was captain for two years. In her spare time, Leslee enjoys reading and drawing. Leslee grew up next door to the Premier of the Yukon, and has developed the ability to understand both sides of important issues of community development, such as pipelines running through traditional territories. Leslee is currently in Suva, Fiji, where she is working at the Ecumenical Centre for Research Education and Advocacy (ECREA), with the Pacific Network on Globalisation, the region’s principal group involved in documenting the effects of recent regional trade agreements on local economies and communities. Leslee is serving as a researcher, and is currently exploring the economic impact of Transnational Corporations in Fiji. www.ecrea.org.fj

Laura Mitchell was born and raised in Calgary Alberta, and is of Metis descent, with ancestry in South Saskatchewan. Laura graduated in 2003, at age 22, with a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Calgary. Laura is very close to her family, especially her sister. Laura’s hobbies include basketball, running, reading and volunteering. She is interested in social justice and human rights issues, and is currently in Suva, Fiji working for the Fiji Trades Union Congress and for the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre where she is researching legislation related to domestic violence.
www.fiji.nu/ftuc/index.shtml

Michele Morfitt is of mixed Cree and European ancestry, and has recently graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Victoria. Michele is very interested in contributing her research skills to the social justice efforts of indigenous peoples on an international level. Michele is having a wonderful experience at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, where she is working with the Director of Maori Education. Michele has been conducting statistical research on success and retention rates of Maori students for the past school year and has been graphing these results.

Lara Avis Pratt is a member of the George Gordon First Nation, which is located in southern Saskatchewan. She considers herself to be Plains Cree because she was raised by her mother's people, although she recently found out that her roots go back to the Saultioux, Assinabion, Crow and Metis Nations. She is now calling herself a "Heinz 51". Avis has recently completed her final year in the Aboriginal Media Program at First Nations Technical Institute/Humber College, where she received her diploma in broadcast journalism. Avis' education also includes the Freedom Forum's American Indian Journalism Institute 2002, at the University of South Dakota. She also studied at the University of Alberta.

Avis is currently placed with Radio Pasifik, a student-run radio station at University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. Avis is working as assistant station manager, and her tasks include collecting news items for daily news programmes, writing and recording jingles, preparing for a weekly radio show and helping with the general operations of the station.
www.sidsnet.org/pacific/usp/journ/docs/radpasifik.html

Peter Wardenburg is 26 years old, from Keremeos BC, and is a member of the Similkameen Nation. Peter has strong connections to his family, especially his grandmother and mother. He also has four brothers, and is the proud father of one son. Peter is currently in Wellington, New Zealand, conducting GIS Mapping for Wellington Tenths Trust. He is very excited about this opportunity to combine his passion of GIS Mapping and his first overseas travel experience. Peter enjoys most sports, including basketball and golf, and is looking forward to golfing and surfing this winter in New Zealand. Peter is a strong supporter of indigenous struggles and hopes to use his GIS skills to better the position of his indigenous communities internationally and at home in BC.