Using our lived experiences in policy work

The Youth Policy Program cohort is now in the second month of their program.

In the second module, participants learned about public policy in B.C. In one session titled Indigenous Women Leading Change, Kory Wilson and Tara Marsden shared with participants how they’re working to change their organizations by centering their teachings, histories and ways of knowing.

Participant Katisha Paul, also known as Kwikws l̲ vs̲ áos (Little Angel), a xwílŋəxw sɬéniʔ (woman of this land) from the W̱ JOȽEȽP and Lil’wat nations, says she was inspired by how Kory and Tara communicated in their organizations, using their lived experiences as support.

“We really have to make sure that when we’re talking to leadership, to different organizations and to ministries, whether that’s provincial or federal, that we don’t hold back on our experiences, “ said Katisha.

A young man stands with his back to the camera in the foreground, on the left of the frame. He is wearing dark shorts, a white sweatshirt, a red baseball cap and has a backpack on. He is looking towards some ancient ruins (pyramid) in the background. To the right of the frame is a large prickly pear plant. There is dry grass surrounding the area. There is more vegetation (bushes and small trees) in the middle of the frame. — *Juan Treviño visits Teotihuacan. This is a site of pre-Columbus Mesoamerica located 50km north-east of Mexico City. Photo submitted by Juan Treviño.*

“We lead with who we are, and we lead with the power of our voices and being women,” she said.

Juan Treviño, another program participant, who’s from Saltillo, Mexico said, “I grew up in the north [of Mexico] and the area where I’m from there’s different Indigenous groups because there’s just so many across Mexico.”

Hearing about the work of these Indigenous women made Juan reflect on Indigenous education in Mexico.

“I personally think it’s great that their new books are delving into topics that are related to indigenous identity.”

The lower half of the image shows ancient dark grey steps. A man wearing dark shorts, a white sweatshirt and baseball cap walks down the stairs. The upper half of the photo features a blue sky with a couple of wispy cloud streaks. — *Juan Treviño walks down steps in the ancient holy city of Teotihuacan, Mexico. Photo submitted by Juan Treviño.*

Juan and Katisha said they’re thankful to hear from the Indigenous speakers who spearheaded bold and courageous conversations in their fields.

It was great to hear from them and all their knowledge and life experience as marginalized folk and people of colour in those spaces,” said Juan. “That was what mostly spoke to me: to know that you do have allies in those spaces, and that you also have to be strategic with how you present your information.”

It was also an empowering session for Katisha.

“I have the experience, the lived experience, that helps encourage me to use my voice in spaces and places that were not made for myself,” she said.

In a couple of weeks the cohort will be beginning the third module, which will be stakeholder analysis and budget cycles. Follow along to read more of the cohort’s lessons and reflections.