Nishat Tasnim is a self-described 91裸聊视频榥erd and hyper-focussed individual91裸聊视频� who has a secret passion for the prog-metal band Tool and a love of learning to speak nsyilxcen and deepen her connection to the Syilx culture and language.
It was this love that led her to volunteer at Kelowna Museums.
91裸聊视频淚 began volunteering at the Okanagan Heritage Museum in September 2023 after being recommended by Alana Firedancer, the Indigenous programming coordinator,91裸聊视频� explained Tasnim.
91裸聊视频淔rom there, Maria Garcia, the museum services coordinator, onboarded me. Her support and mentorship have been crucial in my volunteer journey, helping me integrate into the museum community and contribute meaningfully, especially to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event.
91裸聊视频淢y experience has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to the guidance and encouragement from both Alana and Maria.91裸聊视频�
Originally coming to Kelowna in 2011 when she was awarded a full-ride scholarship to UBCO Okanagan, Tasnim has completed both her Bachelor91裸聊视频檚 and Master91裸聊视频檚 degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, then worked as lab manager at both UBCO and University of Victoria.
She has started a new journey as the institutional programs officer at UBCO, focusing on the Canada Foundation for Innovation grants.
She is thrilled about the opportunity to bridge projects, people and places in this new capacity.
Tasnim is continuing her volunteering commitment to the Okanagan Heritage Museum, helping out at the reception desk on the weekends and for special events, including a notable Remembrance Day at Okanagan Military Museum as well as the Truth and Reconciliation 91裸聊视频� (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums and Family Day events at the Okanagan Heritage Museum.
91裸聊视频淚n my volunteer role, I am deeply committed to championing and showcasing the resilience of Indigenous peoples and minority settler-immigrant communities,91裸聊视频� said Tasnim, who herself is an immigrant settler.
91裸聊视频淚 believe that highlighting these narratives can enrich our collective understanding of our community91裸聊视频檚 diverse heritage and foster a deeper connection to the land.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淭his, in turn, reinforces our shared responsibility to protect and support one another.91裸聊视频�
Tasnim wants to give a special shout out to local nsyilxcen language teacher Jasmine Peone and Syilx Elders Pamela and Grouse Barnes
91裸聊视频淚 aim to continue this work and show up for our community to ensure that these important stories are heard and appreciated, thereby contributing to an authentically diverse and respectful society.91裸聊视频�
Tasnim sees her volunteer work as a way to broaden both her personal and professional networks by connecting her to individuals who share similar interests and passions.
91裸聊视频淭he learning opportunities presented through volunteering are immense.
91裸聊视频淔rom improving my social skills to acquiring new competencies relevant to my career and personal growth, it91裸聊视频檚 this continuous learning and the chance to make meaningful connections that keep me motivated and engaged in volunteer work.
91裸聊视频淭hrough volunteering, I91裸聊视频檝e discovered that despite being shy and introverted in my personal life, engaging in structured social interactions can be incredibly rewarding.
91裸聊视频淰olunteering has pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to meet some of my favorite people and experience some of the most genuine interactions of my life.
91裸聊视频淭hese experiences have taught me that connecting with others in a volunteer setting is not only relational and generative but also positively challenging.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 through these interactions that I91裸聊视频檝e learned the value of stepping beyond my usual boundaries, leading to personal growth and deeper connections with those around me.
91裸聊视频淭he key is simply to commit to showing up, being respectful, and helpful. It91裸聊视频檚 a rewarding way to expand your horizons and make a positive impact.91裸聊视频�
You can find expand your horizons by volunteering at the Kelowna Museum, or take part in their community workshops, including 91裸聊视频淣syilxcen for Everyone91裸聊视频� and 91裸聊视频渜91裸聊视频檚api? A long time ago: syilx Okanagan Storytelling.91裸聊视频�
For these great opportunities, check out the museum91裸聊视频檚 website https://www.kelownamuseums.ca/indigenous/.
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources. Call 250-763-8008, ext. 254 or email dorothee@kcr.ca.
