Alumni Panelist: Lives Well Lived
Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 | 1 to 3:30pm
The Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Interurban Campus, Camosun College
Jenna Bailey, Metis-Cree, is the Acting Team Leader for the Guardianship and Permanency Planning team at Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services in Victoria.
Jenna enrolled in Camosun’s University Transfer program from 2009 to 2010 focusing on political sciences. She then went on to complete the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Victoria.
“At Camosun I concentrated on political sciences and through the Indigenous education department I also became interested in Indigenous issues and social services,” says Jenna.
For the last five years, Jenna has been working at Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services which provides legal services, cultural programs and counselling support to urban Indigenous children in the Victoria region. Her work includes being responsible for the day-to-day guardianship decisions for children in care including legal issues, medical decisions, family visits and travel.
“I love my work,” adds Jenna. “It is challenging and I’m always learning new things every day. It’s highly rewarding to work with the urban Indigenous population. It’s more than a job; it’s part of my life.”
As for advice to young adults considering college today, Jenna advises, “do it!” “It’s not as daunting as it may first seem. Camosun is the perfect transition place for your education. They have tons of supports, small classes and one-on-one opportunities with instructors.”
Jenna also believes education is instrumental in moving forward with truth and reconciliation.
“Education allows us the time, space and energy to learn about history and about truths,” she adds. “It gives us the space to have challenging conversations. It encourages us to think critically and move through that learning with an open mind.”
Camosun students, employees and the community can share in the learning experience either in person or by watching it live-streamed on Camosun’s YouTube channel.