Innis siblings

Finding community

Siblings discover new meaning of home at Innis

Robert Nadjiwon and his sister Emily hail from Neyaashiinigmiing, a small, tight-knit First Nations community on Ontario’s beautiful Saugeen Peninsula. They are Anishinaabe; Robert belongs to the Loon Clan, while Emily is from the Bear Clan. Robert graduated from Innis in June 2022 with an HBA in Indigenous studies. Emily is currently in her second year in ecology and evolutionary biology, also at Innis.

Robert

As someone who has always been involved in your home community, learning from elders, and working on land stewardship and language reclamation, how has your time in the communities you’ve built in Toronto and at Innis influenced how you see your place in Neyaashiinigmiing, now and in the future?

Recently, I realized that for generations my family has made this migration to Gchi-niisaajwanong (Toronto) and back to Neyaashiinigmiing. My mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother all moved back and forth between the two places. Gchiniisaajwanong takes on historical and familial meaning for me, and as I have adjusted myself to the craziness of the city, I have been thankful for friends, ceremonies, and Innis for helping me to make this place home. Every time I return to Neyaashiinigmiing it is more beautiful than I remember, and now, as I think of next steps, I am excited to continue with all that I have learned here in the context of my home.

For so long, I did not like the city, but now the city is constantly surprising me. When I first arrived, I saw it as only concrete and devoid of any nature and land-based activities. However, living here for a while has shown me that the language and the land still find a way to thrive in little havens within the city. I look forward to continually renewing this intergenerational movement and exchange between Gchi-niisaajwanong and Neyaashiinigmiing.

You were the recipient of the Mehler Paperny Family Innis Award for Indigenous Students. What does the award mean to you?

It was such an honour to receive an award that recognizes not only academic achievement, but also involvement with community. It is a subtle reminder that for me, the most important and fulfilling work lies within my community, in Neyaashiinigmiing, and also the urban Indigenous community.

Emily

What motivated you to follow your big brother to study at Innis? And what was it like spending the year together at the same college?

I had initially planned to go my own way and study in British Columbia. My plans changed when I realized that I wanted to be closer to my family, and to have my older brother for support through my first year. It was amazing to have Robbie to guide me and know what to expect from my time at Innis. The two of us are also quite close, so it was definitely comforting to see him in person or spend time together if I was ever feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Coming from a small community, have you been able to find your own sense of community or family here at Innis, U of T, or in Toronto?

The living situation at Innis Residence is actually what allowed me to make my closest friends at university. The roommates that I had are all amazing people that I got along really well with. We all have a place together and we’re hoping to keep it until the end of our undergrad. U of T can be intimidating, especially when you come from a small community. However, I have only met nice people in my time here.

Opposite: Robert Nadjiwon Right: Emily Nadjiwon (photos by Shayla Anderson)

Brothers and sisters

Friendly rivalry and ribbing define these grad siblings

Maurice (left) and Russell Shen (photo Wen-Hsuan Esther Lu)

Sisters Denise and Jasmine Kara

“I had no clue what to expect when I joined Innis College. As I became more involved as a work-study student, I quickly came to love the close-knit community that surrounded me, making life-long connections I passed down to my sister. I take credit for paving her way.”

—Denise Kara (HBA ’14 Innis)

“With a seven-year age gap, I followed in my sister’s footsteps. From attending Innis College to getting involved on campus, I mimicked her every move—and did it better by winning three more awards than her! I owe her my success.”

—Jasmine Kara (HBA ’21 Innis, Urban Studies)

Brothers Maurice and Russell Shen

“Having a brother to look up to and compete with took me to where I am now, and I’m just glad that I got to keep my favourite napping spot all to myself”

—Russell Shen (HBSc ’10 Innis, PhD ’20)

“A little family competition doesn’t hurt the GPA!”

—Maurice Shen (HBSc ‘10 Innis, PhD ’15)

Jasmine (left) and Denise Kara (photo by Shayla Anderson)