Katie Timms
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose to study First Nations and Indigenous Studies (FNIS) at UBC because I wanted to learn from Indigenous scholars, knowledge keepers, and communities while deepening my understanding of the histories and systems that shape our lives today.
As a Métis woman, the program offered me a powerful opportunity to reconnect with culture, language, and community in a way that felt both deeply personal and politically urgent.
What I enjoyed most were the relationships I created, learning alongside passionate peers, being mentored by professors doing important work, and being in community with people who cared as much as I did.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC came from being in community with other Indigenous students, such as connecting during weekly Longhouse lunches and working on projects that reflected my values.
Mentoring younger students through Arts Indigenous Student Advising, writing for The Ubyssey, and serving on the editorial board for the UBC Journal of Climate Justice all helped me grow as a leader, writer, and collaborator.
I also loved my time working with alumni UBC in a Work Learn program placement as a digital editorial assistant with UBC Magazine. Here, I was able to contribute to storytelling that connected current students and alumni.
My FNIS classes also helped me further connect to my culture, community and identity, even giving me the opportunity to publish my first essay on Métis identity in an academic journal. These experiences grounded me, challenged me, and gave me a deep sense of purpose.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I said yes to opportunities that aligned with my values, even and especially if they scared me. I chose to prioritize relationships and community building, which helped me find mentors, collaborators, and lifelong friends.
I also sought out roles—both paid and volunteer—that helped me apply what I was learning in class to real-world issues, particularly in Indigenous health, justice, and communications. Those choices helped me build a meaningful career pathway grounded in purpose.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
After graduating, I stepped into the role of research coordinator for Indigenous health research at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, where I support research initiatives that center Indigenous voices, priorities, and perspectives in health care. This role allows me to contribute to meaningful, community-informed work focused on equity and culturally-grounded care.
Prior to this, I served as an Indigenous partnerships coordinator at Michael Smith Health Research BC, where I led a project documenting the organization’s reconciliation journey.
Earlier in my career and as mentioned above, I worked as a digital editorial assistant at UBC Magazine for over two years. In this role, I pitched and developed digital campaigns, managed social media platforms, edited video content, and collaborated on storytelling projects that spotlighted the diverse experiences of UBC alumni.
I also contributed to an Indigenous climate change research project through another university, which gave me experience working with community-based research methodologies and further strengthened my commitment to research that is accountable to Indigenous communities.
Together, these roles have helped me build a strong foundation in communications, research coordination, and ethical engagement—skills I continue to draw on in my work today.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Not exactly, but I’ve always followed work grounded in purpose. I didn’t have a specific job title in mind, but I knew I wanted to support Indigenous communities through work that was meaningful and justice-driven.
One of the biggest challenges has been entering predominantly non-Indigenous institutions while trying to uphold community accountability and care. Navigating these dynamics, while staying connected to what matters, has taken both strategy and heart.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
As the research coordinator for Indigenous health research at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, I can support projects that center Indigenous ways of knowing, community priorities, and culturally safe health practices.
I love that my role allows me to work on complex issues while being in relationship with others who care deeply about justice. The challenging part is holding the emotional weight that comes with working in areas impacted by colonization and health inequity. My First Nations and Indigenous Studies degree prepared me to navigate these spaces with historical knowledge, critical analysis, and deep respect for community leadership.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My Arts degree taught me how to think, write, listen, and lead. It gave me the ability to question systems, connect ideas, and communicate across difference. It helped me grow into someone who can hold complexity and act with compassion. These are essential skills no matter where you go.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Start by asking yourself what communities or causes you want to serve—then follow that. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people doing the work you admire. Say yes to small opportunities that align with your values. Relationships matter more than résumés. And rest, because this work is long and we need you well.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Trust that your voice, your story, and your questions matter. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself. And know that it’s always okay to change your mind, take the long way, and choose joy over prestige.
Katie Timms
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose to study First Nations and Indigenous Studies (FNIS) at UBC because I wanted to learn from Indigenous scholars, knowledge keepers, and communities while deepening my understanding of the histories and systems that shape our lives today.
As a Métis woman, the program offered me a powerful opportunity to reconnect with culture, language, and community in a way that felt both deeply personal and politically urgent.
What I enjoyed most were the relationships I created, learning alongside passionate peers, being mentored by professors doing important work, and being in community with people who cared as much as I did.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC came from being in community with other Indigenous students, such as connecting during weekly Longhouse lunches and working on projects that reflected my values.
Mentoring younger students through Arts Indigenous Student Advising, writing for The Ubyssey, and serving on the editorial board for the UBC Journal of Climate Justice all helped me grow as a leader, writer, and collaborator.
I also loved my time working with alumni UBC in a Work Learn program placement as a digital editorial assistant with UBC Magazine. Here, I was able to contribute to storytelling that connected current students and alumni.
My FNIS classes also helped me further connect to my culture, community and identity, even giving me the opportunity to publish my first essay on Métis identity in an academic journal. These experiences grounded me, challenged me, and gave me a deep sense of purpose.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I said yes to opportunities that aligned with my values, even and especially if they scared me. I chose to prioritize relationships and community building, which helped me find mentors, collaborators, and lifelong friends.
I also sought out roles—both paid and volunteer—that helped me apply what I was learning in class to real-world issues, particularly in Indigenous health, justice, and communications. Those choices helped me build a meaningful career pathway grounded in purpose.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
After graduating, I stepped into the role of research coordinator for Indigenous health research at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, where I support research initiatives that center Indigenous voices, priorities, and perspectives in health care. This role allows me to contribute to meaningful, community-informed work focused on equity and culturally-grounded care.
Prior to this, I served as an Indigenous partnerships coordinator at Michael Smith Health Research BC, where I led a project documenting the organization’s reconciliation journey.
Earlier in my career and as mentioned above, I worked as a digital editorial assistant at UBC Magazine for over two years. In this role, I pitched and developed digital campaigns, managed social media platforms, edited video content, and collaborated on storytelling projects that spotlighted the diverse experiences of UBC alumni.
I also contributed to an Indigenous climate change research project through another university, which gave me experience working with community-based research methodologies and further strengthened my commitment to research that is accountable to Indigenous communities.
Together, these roles have helped me build a strong foundation in communications, research coordination, and ethical engagement—skills I continue to draw on in my work today.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Not exactly, but I’ve always followed work grounded in purpose. I didn’t have a specific job title in mind, but I knew I wanted to support Indigenous communities through work that was meaningful and justice-driven.
One of the biggest challenges has been entering predominantly non-Indigenous institutions while trying to uphold community accountability and care. Navigating these dynamics, while staying connected to what matters, has taken both strategy and heart.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
As the research coordinator for Indigenous health research at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, I can support projects that center Indigenous ways of knowing, community priorities, and culturally safe health practices.
I love that my role allows me to work on complex issues while being in relationship with others who care deeply about justice. The challenging part is holding the emotional weight that comes with working in areas impacted by colonization and health inequity. My First Nations and Indigenous Studies degree prepared me to navigate these spaces with historical knowledge, critical analysis, and deep respect for community leadership.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My Arts degree taught me how to think, write, listen, and lead. It gave me the ability to question systems, connect ideas, and communicate across difference. It helped me grow into someone who can hold complexity and act with compassion. These are essential skills no matter where you go.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Start by asking yourself what communities or causes you want to serve—then follow that. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people doing the work you admire. Say yes to small opportunities that align with your values. Relationships matter more than résumés. And rest, because this work is long and we need you well.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Trust that your voice, your story, and your questions matter. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself. And know that it’s always okay to change your mind, take the long way, and choose joy over prestige.
