Kelly completed her Masters in Sociology and is now doing her Ph. D at Carleton University in Ottawa. She has taught college courses in Moosonee/Moose Factory. She writes: “I took Loretta's advice and took a risk.  So far, it is one of the most amazing experiences I've had.  The course is offered through the Aboriginal Off-Campus Social Work Programme.  They are all social workers who have been in the field for quite sometime.  I am the youngest in the class but they don't seem to hold it against me.  Already, I have learned a lot from them.  They have pushed me to understand family from yet another alternative perspective...those who were historically denied family life because of residential schools, for example.  On my way there, I was so nervous and I stayed up almost the whole night before reviewing my notes.  One of the women stopped me as I was going through my course outline and said: ‘You know, when I saw the title of the course I though we are going to get that same old Eurocentric point of view...and then... I read your course outline.’  She smiled and said: ‘Thank you.  It looks really good.  I am glad we get to look at things from an aboriginal perspective, our perspective.’ I was so glad she liked it because it was part of my comprehensive examinations and I had spent a long time on it.  I was amazed at how appreciative they were to have an opportunity to re-theorize their families drawing on experience. I know I enjoyed the same opportunity as a student but it is really something to build a space where students can build theory and watch them go to it.  I always make everyone pick the desks up and move them into a circle.  Partly, it's for them but mostly it's because it reminds me (Dr. Coulter’s classes) were I came from.”

Contact Kelly by email: Kelly Landon