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 proud to share the stories of Indigenous alumni, including Madison Judson.
Originally from Lake Echo, Nova Scotia, Judson now resides in Beamsville, Ontario, and is a proud member of the Sagamok Anishinabek First Nation. She carries two spirit names: Akiiwan Mashkiki Kwe (Earth’s Medicine Woman) and Animkiikaa Kwe (Thunder Woman).
A double graduate of Niagara College, Judson earned her Journalism diploma in 2019, followed by a graduate certificate in Public Relations in 2020.
Current role and career path
My current role is the Corporate Communications Coordinator at Niagara Parks. Before that, I found communications jobs in a variety of sectors from government (The Town of Grimsby), food and drink (Wine Marketing Association of Ontario) and even non-profit (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara).
Joining Niagara Parks felt like a full-circle moment. I was originally set to complete my Public Relations placement there, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, years later, I’m proud to have come back and officially joined the organization.
Niagara College’s impact
Niagara College taught me the practical, hands-on skills that I needed to launch my career. From day one, I knew that I made the right choice. The College provided me with endless resources, knowledgeable and dedicated instructors, and unwavering support–especially from the Indigenous Student Services team.
Inspiration and passion
Getting to help an organization tell their story has always been a driving factor for me. It is wonderful to get to work for an organization who not only cares about the guests who visit as well as the environment, but Niagara Parks also takes great pride is finding ways to incorporate Indigenous voices into their attractions and experiences, and that has been an honour to be a part of.
Standout NC experience
After graduating from the Journalism program, I decided to enroll in the Public Relations graduate certificate program, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Every aspect of the program fascinated me, and something clicked in my mind and told me “This is what you are meant to do with your life.” It has been a wonderful experience getting to work in this field and getting to try so many different things.
Advice for Indigenous students at NC
Learn about the resources that are available to you, they are there for a reason. And if you ever need help or need a place to talk to someone, go to the Indigenous Education office, the people who work there are always ready to provide advice and support for whatever you need and it helps makes your experience that much better.
Final thoughts
Working for Niagara Parks, I have been fortunate enough to be part of some of the recent Indigenous projects that have come to life, such as writing communication pieces for the Rekindling All Our Relations audio tour as well as for the book launch of Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist.
