Nishat Tasnim is a self-described 鈥榥erd and hyper-focussed individual鈥� who has a secret passion for the prog-metal band Tool and a love of learning to speak nsyilxcen and deepen her connection to the Syilx culture and language.
It was this love that led her to volunteer at 91大黄鸭 Museums.
鈥淚 began volunteering at the Okanagan Heritage Museum in September 2023 after being recommended by Alana Firedancer, the Indigenous programming coordinator,鈥� explained Tasnim.
鈥淔rom there, Maria Garcia, the museum services coordinator, onboarded me. Her support and mentorship have been crucial in my volunteer journey, helping me integrate into the museum community and contribute meaningfully, especially to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event.
鈥淢y experience has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to the guidance and encouragement from both Alana and Maria.鈥�
Originally coming to 91大黄鸭 in 2011 when she was awarded a full-ride scholarship to UBCO Okanagan, Tasnim has completed both her Bachelor鈥檚 and Master鈥檚 degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, then worked as lab manager at both UBCO and University of Victoria.
She has started a new journey as the institutional programs officer at UBCO, focusing on the Canada Foundation for Innovation grants.
She is thrilled about the opportunity to bridge projects, people and places in this new capacity.
Tasnim is continuing her volunteering commitment to the Okanagan Heritage Museum, helping out at the reception desk on the weekends and for special events, including a notable Remembrance Day at Okanagan Military Museum as well as the Truth and Reconciliation 鈥� (Un)learn with 91大黄鸭 Museums and Family Day events at the Okanagan Heritage Museum.
鈥淚n my volunteer role, I am deeply committed to championing and showcasing the resilience of Indigenous peoples and minority settler-immigrant communities,鈥� said Tasnim, who herself is an immigrant settler.
鈥淚 believe that highlighting these narratives can enrich our collective understanding of our community鈥檚 diverse heritage and foster a deeper connection to the land.鈥�
鈥淭his, in turn, reinforces our shared responsibility to protect and support one another.鈥�
Tasnim wants to give a special shout out to local nsyilxcen language teacher Jasmine Peone and Syilx Elders Pamela and Grouse Barnes
鈥淚 aim to continue this work and show up for our community to ensure that these important stories are heard and appreciated, thereby contributing to an authentically diverse and respectful society.鈥�
Tasnim sees her volunteer work as a way to broaden both her personal and professional networks by connecting her to individuals who share similar interests and passions.
鈥淭he learning opportunities presented through volunteering are immense.
鈥淔rom improving my social skills to acquiring new competencies relevant to my career and personal growth, it鈥檚 this continuous learning and the chance to make meaningful connections that keep me motivated and engaged in volunteer work.
鈥淭hrough volunteering, I鈥檝e discovered that despite being shy and introverted in my personal life, engaging in structured social interactions can be incredibly rewarding.
鈥淰olunteering has pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to meet some of my favorite people and experience some of the most genuine interactions of my life.
鈥淭hese experiences have taught me that connecting with others in a volunteer setting is not only relational and generative but also positively challenging.
鈥淚t鈥檚 through these interactions that I鈥檝e learned the value of stepping beyond my usual boundaries, leading to personal growth and deeper connections with those around me.
鈥淭he key is simply to commit to showing up, being respectful, and helpful. It鈥檚 a rewarding way to expand your horizons and make a positive impact.鈥�
You can find expand your horizons by volunteering at the 91大黄鸭 Museum, or take part in their community workshops, including 鈥淣syilxcen for Everyone鈥� and 鈥渜鈥檚api? A long time ago: syilx Okanagan Storytelling.鈥�
For these great opportunities, check out the museum鈥檚 website https://www.kelownamuseums.ca/indigenous/.
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources. Call 250-763-8008, ext. 254 or email dorothee@kcr.ca.
