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It’s been a year since Bella Marble and Javiere Gordon joined the Faculty of Management as Program Pathway Navigators for Black and Indigenous students, and in that time, they’ve covered a lot of ground. Gordon, who is a Jamaican Canadian with a background in community engagement and student development explains, “this role takes me across the province to present to high school students, so they understand what our programs offer and what opportunities exist afterward.” 

Marble, who comes from Sipekne'katik First Nation near Truro, is also on the move. “I do a lot of outreach at community events, conferences, youth conferences, career fairs, and that sort of thing. I go to high schools to do school presentations and show our programs as an option for Indigenous students.” She adds, “we meet students where they are... and show them what’s possible.” 

Both navigators agree that their roles aren't just about getting people to and through university. Marble says her goal, is to help them feel more at home.“I hope they feel more connected to community and supports.” Gordon adds that, “I’m here to ensure that Black students thrive.” 

Marble says her work is not just about academic success. “Some students want more work experience on their resume before graduation, so I help them navigate different opportunities and build experience.” She explains that “a big part is connecting Indigenous students with Indigenous professionals and organizations that have programming and are looking to recruit Indigenous students—which is why I’ve launched the Indigenous Speaker series.” Jarvis Googoo, Director of Atlantic Indigenous Economic Development and Integrated Research Program, and Fiona Kirkpatrick Parson of Kirkpatrick Parsons Consulting were the first two speakers to launch the series earlier this semester.

"My turn to give back"

These positions are part of Dalhousie’s current Strategic Plan; building stronger pathways across the university to remove the barriers in academia for Indigenous and Black students. There are already similar positions in other faculties, people that both Marble and Gordon can talk to. 

Both navigators know that it will take time to build their respective communities. As Javiere says “Trust takes time. I get to know each student’s circumstances and provide support that’s culturally responsive and personalized.”

Marble, who graduated with a degree in History in 2011, says many people supported her when she was in university, and “it’s my turn to give back.” She understands what it’s like to come from a small community to a big one. “When people move to the city to start university, they can feel homesick, isolated, or lost in the mix — especially if they’re from smaller communities.”

Javiere says this is why their positions are designed to be expansive and holistic. “Students need support that understands their lived experiences. I want them to know they have someone they can come to for anything.”