b'NATIONAL GATHERING KEYNOTEULTIMATE CHALLENGE guidance and support to Indigenous people in finding Recently, Campbell put her physical, mental andtheir place in all spaces.emotional fortitude to the test as one of 24 contes- As for her personal journey, Campbell is currently tants on the debut season of CBC Televisions Canadasworking towards a PhD in Social Justice Education Ultimate Challenge. That was hard, she recalls. Imat the University of Torontos Ontario Institute for an old jock, but I went into it with a lot of mentalStudies in Education (OISE), where she hopes to bring stamina thanks to the ceremonies. further insight into the role and criticality of Indigenous There were a number of goals that Campbell had inwomen leaders.participating in the televised competition, one of whichWhat I really want to look at is Indigenous womens was to use her time on camera to convey the messageleadership in university administration, Campbell says. that Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people can andThere is a lot written on white leadership, mens lead-deserve to be in all places and spaces. ership, and even Indigenous mens leadership, but most I also wanted to change the narrative, Campbellliterature written on Indigenous womens leadership is adds. On that show, you would have heard me say aat a more grassroots level. Thats still very important, few times that its because of our ancestors undeni- but so is administrative leadership in academia. So I able strength and perseverance that I get to be here.want to focus on Indigenous women leaders who are That also came from my Auntie; that we shouldnt letsuccessful and living their unapologetic Indigenous people always think were victims, because were not.selves so that a younger version of me can pick it up We are strong and powerful people. and be inspired knowing they can be themselves and lead and that they have a beautiful uniqueness toCampbells message rang true through every episodetheir leadership. as she modelled resilience and a commitment toLori Campbell will continue sharing her wisdom at overcoming challenges. I was not going to quitIndspires National Gathering for Indigenous Education. anything, she says. There was that episode where IThe event runs November 15-17, 2023, at the Hotel had to swim to a ship and climb a rope, but little didBonaventure in Montreal, Quebec. Learn more at I know I already had a torn ACL. I just started talkinghttps://indspire.ca/events/national-gathering/. to the ancestors and recognizing the strength that comes through them because theyve suffered things way more difficult than this. At one point, I rememberWhether youve just graduated high school or saying, I dont think I can do it. A guy on the ship said,are an adult learner, were committed to helping Dont worry, just say the word and well stop, and ImIndigenous students succeed!like, Im not talking to you!We are working to remove barriers and provide services and support through Indigenous Centres and Indigenous Counselling One of Campbells favourite memories from the showat both of our campuses. Part of this support includes helping was competing with Waneek Horn-Miller, a Canadianyou with the NC application process!water polo player from Kahnawake Mohawk territoryOur Indigenous Admissions Pathway helps give equitable and the first Mohawk woman from Canada to competeaccess to Indigenous applicants for competitive Niagara in the Olympics. [Horn-Miller] didnt touch meCollege programs. Were aware of the systemic barriers and adversities that Indigenous people face when pursuing a during that ship challenge because she knew Id becollege or university education. This application process helps disqualified if she did, says Campbell. But she wasIndigenous applicants to apply to the program of their choice there alongside me and I felt a connection from ourwith less weight given to their past grades. Applicants must understanding of the struggle of Indigenous people,still meet the minimum entrance requirements.and the strength of the Mohawk and Cree womenwho came before me. Its what helped me finishthat competition.UNAPOLOGETIC SELFWhether in the classroom, administrative office, or in the competitive arena, Campbell embraces a code of living her unapologetic self. As she moves forward in her new role, she is excited to channel her personal ethos into shaping the future of the University ofTo learn more, visit:Regina through a new strategic plan and in helpingwww.niagaracollege.ca/students reach their own potential. She looks forwardindigenouseducation to leveraging her studies and position to provide 2023indspiration17'