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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Alumna Advocate for Children and Youth

Claudia Cammissa | Class of 2012
Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Justice
Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

It was during her UOIT placement at the Durham Rape Crisis Centre when Claudia realized she wanted to work with victims of crime.

Today she is a Crown Ward Reviewer for the Child Welfare Unit of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services where she's responsible for ensuring child welfare agencies comply with legislative requirements when caring for Crown Wards. Claudia also works part-time as an advocate at a homeless youth shelter. In these roles she's learning more about how trauma can impact the behavioural, emotional, social and developmental growth of individuals.

Claudia was inspired and supported by numerous peers and professors she met while attending UOIT. Her Field Placement Professor Dan Walters, "provided me with motivation, hope and encouragement when I needed them most. He helps students believe they are capable of doing whatever they put their minds to."

Associate Professor Carla Cessaroni was another important influence. "She demonstrated strength and empowerment and included stories of her experiences in lectures," says Claudia, "which kept students closely engaged."

As Claudia continues building her skills and following her path – "wherever that ends up being!" she offers UOIT students a suggestion: "Everyone's path will present itself in different ways. Never compare yourself to others or doubt your abilities."