Mark is pictured (l-r) with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; ITK President Natan Obed; Minister Carolyn Bennett; National Chief Perry Bellegarde.
In the summer of 2017, Mark Oldershaw completed a four month internship in Ottawa through the Summer Leadership Program. The program gives young people an opportunity to contribute to Prime Minister Trudeau's team while gaining job experience serving in the offices of Members of Parliament, Ministers' Offices, The Prime Minister's Office and the Liberal Research Bureau.
Mark is a third year student in the Faculty of Native Studies. He is English-Canadian, Métis, and Cree with ancestral ties from the Qu'Appelle Valley.
Q. Why did you apply for the Summer Leadership Program?
I applied for the Summer Leadership Program because I wanted to make a difference. Having the opportunity to meet and work alongside people like the Minister of Crown-Indigenous relations and Northern Affairs, and the Prime Minister was an amazing experience. Alongside working with those offices, I had the chance to meet the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and the Presidents of the Métis National Council and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. I got to see how these organizations work with the federal government to make sure the voices of Indigenous communities are being heard.
Q. Where did you work and what kind of work did you do?
Interns came from coast to coast to coast to work in Ottawa. They worked in offices of Members of Parliament, Minister's offices, and the Prime Minister's office. I worked in an entity of the House of Commons called the Liberal Research Bureau which provides essential services to caucus members. My role was to get members of parliament to meet with Indigenous communities and make an appearance at their community events.
Q. What did you learn from the experience?
I learned that developing relationships are a key to success. When you develop those relationships, goals can be achieved. I saw first-hand what relationship building does for communities and it is heartwarming to hear the stories of success.
Q. Would you recommend the program to students in the Faculty of Native Studies?
I would recommend this program to students in the Faculty of Native Studies because regardless of where you come from, the skills you learn will help you become a better leader within your community.
Q. What are your plans/goals for the future/after graduation?
I am not 100% sure where I will end up once I graduate. I have one more year left and once I cross the stage to shake Dean Andersen's hand, I feel the options will be endless for me.