Nishat Tasnim is a self-described 害羞草研究所榥erd and hyper-focussed individual害羞草研究所� 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 Kelowna Museums.

害羞草研究所淚 began volunteering at the Okanagan Heritage Museum in September 2023 after being recommended by Alana Firedancer, the Indigenous programming coordinator,害羞草研究所� explained Tasnim.

害羞草研究所淔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.

害羞草研究所淢y experience has been incredibly rewarding, thanks to the guidance and encouragement from both Alana and Maria.害羞草研究所�

Originally coming to Kelowna in 2011 when she was awarded a full-ride scholarship to UBCO Okanagan, Tasnim has completed both her Bachelor害羞草研究所檚 and Master害羞草研究所檚 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 害羞草研究所� (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums and Family Day events at the Okanagan Heritage Museum.

害羞草研究所淚n my volunteer role, I am deeply committed to championing and showcasing the resilience of Indigenous peoples and minority settler-immigrant communities,害羞草研究所� said Tasnim, who herself is an immigrant settler.

害羞草研究所淚 believe that highlighting these narratives can enrich our collective understanding of our community害羞草研究所檚 diverse heritage and foster a deeper connection to the land.害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淭his, in turn, reinforces our shared responsibility to protect and support one another.害羞草研究所�

Tasnim wants to give a special shout out to local nsyilxcen language teacher Jasmine Peone and Syilx Elders Pamela and Grouse Barnes

害羞草研究所淚 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.害羞草研究所�

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.

害羞草研究所淭he learning opportunities presented through volunteering are immense.

害羞草研究所淔rom improving my social skills to acquiring new competencies relevant to my career and personal growth, it害羞草研究所檚 this continuous learning and the chance to make meaningful connections that keep me motivated and engaged in volunteer work.

害羞草研究所淭hrough volunteering, I害羞草研究所檝e discovered that despite being shy and introverted in my personal life, engaging in structured social interactions can be incredibly rewarding.

害羞草研究所淰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.

害羞草研究所淭hese experiences have taught me that connecting with others in a volunteer setting is not only relational and generative but also positively challenging.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 through these interactions that I害羞草研究所檝e learned the value of stepping beyond my usual boundaries, leading to personal growth and deeper connections with those around me.

害羞草研究所淭he key is simply to commit to showing up, being respectful, and helpful. It害羞草研究所檚 a rewarding way to expand your horizons and make a positive impact.害羞草研究所�

You can find expand your horizons by volunteering at the Kelowna Museum, or take part in their community workshops, including 害羞草研究所淣syilxcen for Everyone害羞草研究所� and 害羞草研究所渜害羞草研究所檚api? A long time ago: syilx Okanagan Storytelling.害羞草研究所�

For these great opportunities, check out the museum害羞草研究所檚 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.