This story is part of a series of alumni features during Indigenous History Month.
June is National Indigenous History Month (NIHM), an opportunity to acknowledge and learn about the rich history, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
In honour of Indigenous History Month, Niagara College is sharing the stories of some Indigenous alumni, starting with a two-time alumna, Halley Irwin.
A proud Haudenosaunee woman from Lower Cayuga Six Nations of the Grand River, Irwin graduated from NC’s General Business Diploma program in 2010 and the College’s Event Management Post-Graduate Certificate program in 2011. Since graduating, Irwin has built a successful career in the Niagara Region, helping to support people through her work in the non-profit sector.
Current role and career path
I’m currently the Director of Development & Community Engagement at the Niagara Regional Native Centre. Since graduating from Niagara College, I’ve spent nearly my entire professional career in the non-profit sector.
When I enrolled in Event Management, I originally thought I would become a wedding planner. As part of the program, I completed a co-op placement with the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation as an Events Assistant, and I fell in love with the work. That experience launched an eight-year career in event planning with what became the Niagara Health Foundation.
From there, I spent a few years in an administrative role with the City of St. Catharines, before returning to non-profit fundraising with the Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation.
I had always felt a strong connection to the Niagara Regional Native Centre. My family was one of the first to be involved with NRNC, and I’m proud to be the third generation to work there. My grandmother was an employee for over 20 years, and I’ve been going to the Centre for as long as I can remember.
In 2024, an opportunity came up to join NRNC in a fundraising role, and I jumped at the chance. It was incredibly meaningful to be able to bring my non-profit experience home to support the community that has always supported me.
Niagara College’s impact
My time in the Event Management program truly shaped who I am. A standout experience was the Many Hands Project, where student groups planned and executed fundraising events for local charities. It was my first real exposure to large-scale philanthropy, and I was hooked. My group raised over $5,000 and my class as a whole raised over $20,000 for the Fort Erie Salvation Army
The lessons I learned through that hands-on experience have guided me throughout my 14-year career in the non-profit world.
Inspiration and passion
I feel incredibly fortunate to serve my community and help raise much-needed funds for the Niagara Regional Native Centre. We offer 27 programs to support the local Indigenous community, including services in food and housing security, a women’s transitional home, alternative education (elementary and secondary), healthy living, children’s programming, cultural supports, employment and training, and community events. Supporting NRNC and the people we serve fills my heart with purpose every day.
Standout NC experience
One experience that stands out deeply was the compassion shown by my instructors and classmates in the Event Management program. My father passed away just one month before I was set to graduate. Every single teacher exempted me from assignments and tests, encouraging me to focus on healing and spending time with my family. My classmates offered their support in countless ways, and many of them even attended his funeral. It was profoundly moving. Even though we had only known each other for a few months, I was surrounded by such kindness. That sense of community and support has stayed with me ever since.
Advice for Indigenous students at NC
Reach out to the Indigenous Education Office! They played a huge role in guiding me to where I am today. During my time at Niagara College, they connected me with community organizations that provided summer employment opportunities. I was unsure of my path at the time, but I knew I wanted to work in Event Management in some capacity. Thanks to their support and connections, I secured two meaningful summer placements, one while I was in the Business program and another before starting Event Management. Those experiences gave me clarity, purpose, and direction.
Final thoughts
I’m proud to continue working alongside the Indigenous Education Office in my current role, and I also sit on Niagara College’s Indigenous Education Management Council. It’s an honour to stay connected to NC and to contribute to the future of Indigenous education at the College.
