2024 Participants: Inner-City Work Study

 Sy Klassen: Age 34. Urban and Inner-City Studies

As a recent transplant who has decided to make downtown Winnipeg my long-term home, I feel strongly compelled to do my part in working towards a more compassionate, equitable and integrative city, and I hope that my time with the Inner City Work study program will increase my understanding of the contextual issues and help me find my niche. I look forward to contributing a strong sense of justice, an inquisitive mind, and a genuine passion for developing relationships and empowering community.

 Ahmad Chebeeb: Age 20. Economics

I am a 20-year-old student from Lebanon, currently pursuing a degree in Economics at the University of Winnipeg. I feel the Inner-City Work Study program provides me with the opportunity to apply economic theories to real world challenges, more so in issues that affect urban communities. Through this program, I hope to increase my understanding of urban economic development and acquire practical skills in economic analysis and policy-making that are relevant to enhancing the lives of refugees and fostering reconciliation within local communities. I believe I will contribute significantly to the program through my background in economics and my personal experiences from Lebanon, a country that has faced considerable social and economic challenges. My analytical skills and understanding of economic principles will aid in developing strategies to address the complex issues that urban communities and international refugees face. Additionally, my ability to work in diverse environments will allow me to collaborate effectively with people from various backgrounds. I am confident that my participation will be both a significant learning experience for me and a meaningful contribution to the program.

 Brooke Buchan: Age 20. Indigenous Studies

Taanshi kiyawaaw! Brooke Buchan d-ishinihkaashon. En Michif niya. Eekwa, Winnipeg d-oschin. My Name is Brooke Buchan. My pronouns are she/they and I am twenty years old. I am currently an Indigenous Studies major at The University of Winnipeg and plan to do a minor in Urban and Inner-City Studies. I am Red River Metis and a member of the Manitoba Metis Federation. I am interested in the Inner-City Work Study program for a variety of reasons. I have a large interest in community development and wanted to learn more about how Winnipeg’s community organizations operate. Additionally as a future law student I think it is important for all prospective lawyers to have an understanding of community development and the dynamics of Inner-City communities, especially how law can affect those communities. I hope to learn more about Indigenous-centred community development models and how to apply newly shared knowledge into a career of law. I am excited to learn from each organization involved in the program. It is really easy to learn when something is written on paper, but it is truly personal connections and relationships where you learn the most. Maarsi.

 Kat Roberts: Urban and Inner-City Studies

I am an Urban and Inner-City Studies undergraduate at the University of Winnipeg with a passion for creating social change through policy work specifically related to issues of housing and poverty. I am excited to participate in the Inner-City Work Study Program to share my knowledge and experience as a direct support worker and case manager while learning about the policy and planning side of social change work. I am also fortunate to be a member of the Right to Housing Collation as well as a Steering Committee Member and the Communications Coordinator for Make Poverty History Manitoba. 

When I'm not working or learning, I enjoy spending time with my partner, our son, and our two cats. I also consider myself a multi-media artist and try to find time to complete creative projects. 

 Christine Quiah: Age 23. Conflict Resolution Studies

I want to gain experience out there in the real world and even though it may sound very cliched, I do want to make a difference in someone’s life. And that is exactly what the Inner-City Work Study program offers. With this work-study placement I get to apply what I learn in my classroom in real life situations. I love my conflict resolution classes while I get to discuss case studies and scenarios but discussing them in classes is very different than real life situation and its struggles. Whatever I learn in classes I know it’s meant to serve a purpose, and I believe, with this program I will be able to put my knowledge into works. The program connects students with organizations we they are a good fit. It’s a two-way street where both the parties can learn and gain from one another. And the organizations are community based, and well known, with a good track record and reputation. Through this program it is easier for us students to connect with such organization and get a position where the student gets a chance to be hands-on with the work, which otherwise would have taken a much longer time to get in.

 Samuel Tucker: Criminal Justice

To start with, I am interested in this program because I love to serve humanity and that I would also like to use the hands-on experiences from this program to be an advocate for people who are marginalized and living in abject poverty.

Moreover, as a Criminal Justice student, the Inner-city work study program will help to deepen my understanding of the theoretical frameworks I have been taught that are related to the prevalence of crime in the inner-city and its immediate environs. Lastly, I am of the strong conviction that this program will equip me with the right non-violent approaches to address issues related to minority people.

 Wyatt Brisson: Age 20. Criminal Justice

During my time as a university student, I have heard many things about Winnipeg’s inner city and the challenges those who call it home face. In the fall of 2024, I will be going into my third year of study at the University of Winnipeg. My interest in this program extended from a desire to evaluate what I’ve heard first hand, by dispelling the myths and confirming the facts. I hope to learn the root causes of these issues and evaluate the many possible solutions to the broad range of issues affecting communities of the inner city. It is my belief that all Winnipeggers can play a role in making the city we call home a better place, and I hope to live up to this logic through my participation in the 2024 Inner City Work Study.

 Noah Kornelson: Age 24, Criminal Justice

As someone living in Canada, I recognize my responsibility to contribute to reconciliation and equality through action. I am eager to gain a deliberate education in this process and how it relates to Winnipeg-specific affairs. This program is focused on reconciliation at the community level, which in turn requires attention to economics, oppression, politics and more. This is an amazing opportunity to build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, and being part of it will further develop my interest in community development and positive change. Learning is a continuous process, and I am excited at the prospect of challenging myself through this undertaking so I can continue to grow. I have a genuine love for the city of Winnipeg and the people who call it home, and a strong desire to learn from those who are involved with community renewal through reconciliation.

 Olivia Psooy: Age 19. Sociology

My interest comes from wanting to be involved and working within organizations that have such a positive impact on vulnerable communities by creating a sense of community and safety. I also believe we have a responsibility to better the city we live in by participating in meaningful action. I believe I will learn  a lot from this program. I understand how important it is to be on a constant journey and gaining first-had experience of working through the barriers and challenges individuals face in the inner-city as well as their resilience. I am really passionate about working in this program and being able to make a difference with my drive and dedication to the betterment of our community and the inner-city. I am honoured to work alongside those who make such an incredible impact for those who need it the most.

 Deirdre Rooney: Age 23. Environmental Science

I am 23 years old and in the final year of my Environmental Science degree. I am interested in the Inner-City Work Study program because I want to become more engaged in our community, build relationships with community members and peers, and gain a better understanding of the inner-city perspective and the tools in place for community practice. I hope to learn how to work towards reconciliation in practice, as I believe this is core to the work-study program, while also gaining new skills for approaching complex issues. Because I live and go to school in downtown Winnipeg, I feel connected to our city, but this program will introduce me to new perspectives and allow me to actively participate in work that is ongoing within our community. I believe my communication skills and ability to connect with those around me will help me build positive relationships in both the classroom and work settings, where I can contribute and expand upon my environmental science perspective.

 Rayna Daniels: Age 33. Indigenous Studies & Conflict Resolution Studies

I became interested in the Inner-City Work-Study program in my final year of studies. The last time that I had held a regular nine to five job was in 2016. I knew that this program would be the perfect opportunity to gain some experience working with Indigenous peoples in the Inner City. I want to keep an open mind and try new things while going into this program. I hope to be a good co-worker, student, and supporter. I look forward to working with an Indigenous organization called Ogijita Pimatisiwin Kinamatawin (OPK) over the spring and summer. As an Indigenous woman, I understand the challenges that Indigenous peoples face. I want to help resolve some those issues through grassroots work. I developed a set of skills while doing my undergraduate degree that will be beneficial to the community and people. As a contribution to the program, I am going to abide by the seven sacred laws.

 Dominique Carriere: Age 25. Indigenous Studies & International Development Studies

I am currently graduating in Indigenous Studies & International Development Studies at the University of Winnipeg. I focus my studies on challenging the idea of 'development' and how it has impacted the Global South and Indigenous communities within Turtle Island while uplifting the local work of grassroots initiatives. I am also an artist that uses art to celebrate my multiple communities (French-Michif & Mexican-mestiza communities among others) and interconnect culture, responsibility, activism, history, and fluidity. I believe my passions and knowledge will contribute in a positive way to the program, but I will also learn a lot about the challenges and joys of non-profit work. Overall I’m very excited to be part of this program as I believe our local organizations are the heart of our community and I want to be able to give back and use my skills and privileges in ways that can uplift our city.

 Keilan Henry: Age 22. Conflict Resolution Studies

I am thrilled to be a part of the Inner City Work Study Program. I am looking forward to my upcoming role at The Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre. My passion lies in pursuing a career in counseling, specifically working with women who have experienced complex trauma. I am excited about the opportunity to provide support and guidance to those who have faced adversity. Through my studies and future career aspirations, I am committed to advocating for those in need and fostering a sense of resilience and strength in those I work with.

 Daniela Ruiz Fernandez: Social Innovation and Community Development (RRCP)

I applied to this program because it’s a great opportunity to both learn from and contribute to community-based organizations in the inner-city. I am passionate about community development and firmly believe in the transformative power of communities to create lasting positive changes. The focus on reconciliation is another reason for my interest, as I see it as crucial for making a meaningful and sustainable impact.

The program’s mission aligns with my enthusiasm for projects that genuinely benefit people and communities. I am eager to deepen my practical understanding of inner-city dynamics and community development, furthering my dedication to positive social change. I am excited about being part of this program and contributing to the ongoing betterment of Winnipeg communities.