Tricia took time out of a busy day to tell about her experiences making use of the wellness supports from the staff and kahkisiw program at SIIT. What follows are the 5 (actually 6) answers in 5 minutes that she compiled for us.

1. What kinds of wellness supports or spaces did you make use of during your studies—whether that’s counselling, learning assessments, food supports, Elder support, cultural programming, or even a quiet place to just breathe?

During my studies at SIIT, I made use of several wellness supports, many of which played a key role in my success. One of the most impactful experiences was connecting with a counsellor during my first year—someone who had faced similar struggles. She was the first person I met who also had an autistic child. At the time, I was still learning how to advocate for my son’s needs and manage his development at school. She shared practical tools and introduced me to online resources that helped me build confidence and navigate his care.

Another turning point was when I reached out to the learning specialist because I was concerned about my own learning abilities. That decision changed everything. I was assessed by a psychologist and diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability in reading comprehension. It was life-changing to finally understand how my brain worked. I had to re-learn how to learn—but this time, I had strategies that actually worked for me.

I also accessed food supports regularly. I relied on the Food Bank delivery program, kept an eye out for the school’s bread and breakfast drop-offs, and attended every lunch and learn I could, not just for the learning but for the gift cards that helped with gas and groceries.

Culturally, I stayed connected through Elder support and traditional teachings. I would smudge and pray when I needed grounding, attend storytelling sessions, and even learned how to bead, which I then brought home to my family. These supports made me feel safe and rooted. And on days when things felt overwhelming, I would find a quiet space at school just to breathe and reset. As a student, leader, and parent, these moments of pause were deeply healing.

2. Can you share a moment when you realized you needed some kind of support—what was going on for you at that time, and how did it feel to reach out?

One of the hardest moments of my life came just five days before I was supposed to fly to New Zealand with classmates as part of the Go Where Eagles Dare program. My youngest daughter told me she didn’t want to live anymore. That shook me to my core. I had been so focused on school—always in my home office, pushing myself to catch up academically—that I hadn’t realized how much my kids were struggling too.

I made the difficult decision to withdraw from the trip. I couldn’t risk leaving while my daughter was in that mental state. The very next morning, I brought my whole family to the SIIT cultural room to meet with an Elder. We sat in a circle as he prayed for our healing and spoke openly about suicide, self-care, and the strength of family. That experience was powerful—it helped my children feel seen and reminded me to slow down and reconnect.

Later that day, I brought my daughter to my own counselling session so she could witness what it looked like to talk about emotions and take care of mental health. That day changed everything. My children got connected with counsellors and social workers, and I learned the true meaning of work-life balance. Without the supports at SIIT, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through that day or what could’ve happened. They were there for me—and for my family—when we needed them the most.

3. What was it like for you once you started using those supports? Did anything shift for you—emotionally, mentally, or even physically?

Everything shifted. Emotionally, I felt supported and no longer alone. I didn’t have to over-explain myself—people just understood. Mentally, I became more focused and organized, especially after learning how ADHD and reading comprehension impacted the way I processed information. I adjusted my learning strategies, which helped me excel in my studies. Physically, I had more energy and motivation because I wasn’t operating from a place of constant burnout. Using these supports helped me reclaim my identity—not just as a student or mom, but as a whole person worthy of care and healing.

4. Were there any spaces or people that felt especially meaningful or familiar to you, maybe because they connected with your culture, language, or community values?

Absolutely. The Elders and cultural staff at SIIT created spaces that felt like home. Their presence reminded me of my roots and offered the kind of cultural grounding I didn’t grow up with but deeply needed. Participating in powwow dance teachings, smudging, beading, and storytelling sessions helped me reconnect with my identity as an Indigenous woman.

The Student Leadership Council also became a chosen family. Even though I often organized events, those gatherings gave me purpose. They reminded me of my own voice and the power of community leadership rooted in Indigenous values.

5. Looking back now, what role did these supports play in your journey?

Looking back, these supports were life-saving and life-giving. They helped me not only succeed academically but also transform personally. I was able to graduate with confidence, earn the President’s Leadership Award, and show my children what resilience and healing look like.

These supports also helped me see myself beyond the roles of student and mother. I saw myself as a leader, a culture carrier, a changemaker, and someone capable of creating space for others to heal and grow. They helped me break cycles of silence, disconnection, and survival—and step into a future where I could thrive.

6. What’s one way kahkisiw helped you feel seen or valued as an Indigenous student?

kahkisiw helped me feel seen by valuing my story and giving it a place to be heard. They didn’t just acknowledge me as a student—they celebrated me as Tricia Smokeyday: a mother, a community leader, a learner, and a culture keeper. That kind of recognition lit a fire in me—it made me believe that not only did I belong, but I had something important to give. That belief still fuels me today.