If you told me a year ago that I’d spend my summer meeting Chiefs, learning about ocean technology, and helping launch initiatives that promote Indigenous-led climate resiliency, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But that’s exactly where I have ended up, working as the Indigenous Engagement Intern at Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
I’m studying Social Justice and Peace Studies, along with Politics and International Relations. My interests have always leaned toward community work, human rights, and equity, so I wasn’t sure if an ocean sector co-op was a perfect match. What I didn’t expect was how much the ocean sector overlaps with everything I care about: environmental justice, Indigenous sovereignty, climate policy, access to technology and intellectual property, and the right to a livable future. It’s easy to see the ocean as distant, but the truth is, what happens in and around it impacts everyone.
Working at the OSC has helped me realize how the ocean industry isn’t just about science and technology; it’s about people, relationships, and shaping the future. At the OSC, commitment to Indigenous engagement isn’t just a checkbox; it’s built into programs like the Indigenous Coastal Innovation Challenge, Indigenous Career Pivot Program, and the formation of the Arctic Steering Committee. Being part of those efforts gave me the opportunity to see how partnerships and innovation can come together to support community priorities and long-term resilience.
One thing that continues to resonate with me, more broadly, is how many voices and perspectives are still missing from these conversations. The ocean economy holds enormous potential, but we will never realize that potential without participation of all. Justice in this sector goes beyond inclusion, it requires making space for diverse ways of knowing, living, and leading. It was incredible to be part of a team that values this commitment to driving equity and collaborative action forward.
My advice to other students wanting a co-op? Go for it and be open! Consider applying to jobs and co-ops that don’t align perfectly with your vision or long-term career goals. Some of the most meaningful learning happens outside your usual lane. The world is more connected than we think, and there’s space for your values in every sector, even the ones you haven’t considered yet. You don’t need to change who you are to do important work; sometimes your perspective is exactly what’s needed to push a space forward.
