RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE PATRICIA EVE MARTIN
patricia eve Martin
Firstly introduce yourself and tell us where your home place is, please also provide your title and profession.
Employee Support Coordinator – Canadian Roots Exchange
Ahneen, Patricia n’dishnicaas, Toronto n’donjibaa, mizheekay dodem.
Hello, my name is Patricia Eve Martin, I live in Toronto and I am turtle clan. I’m an Anishinaabe kwe and my family roots are in M’Chigeeng, Sagamok and Newfoundland.
Describe your job/jobs in just under four sentences.
In my role as Employee Support Coordinator, I handle the hiring process duties for Canadian Roots Exchange: develop job postings, interview questions, schedule interviews, administer health benefits, draft contracts and more. CRE is creating a modern workplace environment where everyone feels valued and enjoys coming to work, and it’s really exciting to help make it happen! I am also an artist and graphic facilitator (documenting presentations in a mind map as a visual aide) for events & symposiums.
What sparked your interest to work in this industry?
After finishing school, I wanted to find my higher purpose and also become grounded in traditions and ceremonies. I feel extremely grateful to be surrounded by so many influential Indigenous people.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Coming to work and knowing you’re among like-minded professionals working toward the same goal is amazing. One of the best parts of my job is reading through applications and hearing of the diverse work happening across Turtle Island.
What does success look like to you for Indigenous youth?
Success is creating a future that youth can see themselves in, where youth feel empowered to make change. Adults and elders can help to decolonize spaces and show youth that their voices are valued in planning the future.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Not to sound completely cliché, but sometimes things don’t work out because the universe has something better planned. I believe that things meant for you will come to you, but also that you earn what you work towards.
Do you volunteer? If so, where and why is that important to you?
I am on the Native Youth Advisory Council for Native Child and Family Services of Toronto as the Administrative Officer. The council was formed in November 2019, and we are in the process of strategic planning to build the foundation of our mandate. Our purpose is to analyze NCFST’s existing programming and improve what is available to youth in the GTA; as well as plan and support fundraising events. We look for direct input from youth who access the services so that we can ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Being on the council is important for me to stay grounded in what’s currently happening.
What are some challenges you think the next Indigenous generation will face in your industry/profession?
Anyone entering a new profession might feel unwelcome or that there isn’t a space for them in that environment, and overcoming the initial fear is tough. It’s important that non-Indigenous employers are understanding of that. Finding a supportive organization can be difficult but they exist! Another challenge is learning how to prioritize self care when you might have multiple projects pulling you in different directions. It’s okay if things are a work in progress, building good habits takes time.