We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Communication grad writing her own success story

Adriana Pacheco | Class of 2013
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Communication

Adriana loves a good story and loves to spin one even more.

Born and raised in Oshawa, Adriana first pursued her love of writing by enrolling in Durham College’s Journalism program. The university’s Pathways program allowed her to bridge to the Communication program in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, a decision she felt was a ‘no brainer’, allowing her to stay close to home while still receiving a quality education.

Adriana first put her education to use as the promotions manager at Nerd Block, a subscription service that delivers nerdy apparel, toys, and collectables to your door. There she helped the small Whitby-based company get their name in lights, even securing a promotional spot on a Times Square billboard.

Today she works as the social media marketing manager at Sullivan Entertainment in Toronto. Adriana grew up watching Sullivan movies and television shows, such as Anne of Green Gables, so working for this company has been both exciting and rewarding. Since her transition in September, she has enjoyed the creative atmosphere and having the ability to expand her creative thinking. Being part of Sullivan Entertainment’s future plans is something that Adriana is looking forward to.

“I deal with a lot of people, through Facebook, Twitter, and email every day and it's important to know how to communicate effectively. Poor communication leads to misunderstandings,” she said. “I think the biggest thing is just knowing how to really listen to people and know what they need.”

Adriana's career advice for finding a job you enjoy with an organization that appreciates your skills is to "work hard and don't stop trying, no matter what. It may take a while, but all that schooling will pay off for you."