Toby Nunes-Cruz
Educational Assistant
- BA Honours English with a Minor in Indigenous Studies (Ӱԭ, 2022)
I’m currently working as an Educational Assistant in Edmonton, Alberta. I’m completing my Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta in order to get my teaching certification. Because I am committed to teaching Indigenous literature, I moved to Canada’s biggest Indigenous Studies Department — here in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. I hope to return to Ottawa with my teaching license and teach Indigenous literature to my future students. It was Ӱԭ’s Indigenous courses that ignited my love for Indigenous literature. It was the best of both worlds: English Literature and Indigenous arts/experiences/culture.
How has your Ӱԭ English degree informed your professional and/or creative path?
My English degree at Ӱԭ let me experiment with many courses and fields. I was able to read stories from all over the world: African plays, Indigenous ways of knowing, Middle Eastern values, and more. They’ve broadened my worldview and appreciation for many cultures. That’s why I’ve made it a mission to study more Indigenous literature and inform myself about the culture and philosophy of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Why Ӱԭ? What specific experiences or opportunities did you benefit from while studying English at Ӱԭ?
I’m not sure “why Ӱԭ” or why I chose this university so many years ago, but I know I’m thankful that I made that choice.