This summer Gabriel Duguay '22, an independent concentrator in Indigenous Studies who is of Mi’kmaq and Settler descent, completed an internship with the Fisheries sector of the Assembly of First Nations, a national advocacy group for the Chiefs of 636 First Nations in Canada. This internship was supported by the Program in Canadian Studies’ Student Internships in Canada. Duguay was one of six students featured in an article on the University homepage: "Remote possibilities: Virtual internships connect Princeton students to academic, service opportunities." Read the excerpt about Duguay's summer internship below.

Gabriel Duguay, Class of 2022

Concentration: Independent concentration in Indigenous studies; pursuing certificates in humanistic studies, environmental studies and the history of practice of diplomacy
Hometown: Truro, Nova Scotia

What kind of virtual work are you doing?

My internship is with the Fisheries sector of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), a national advocacy group for the Chiefs of 636 First Nations in Canada. First Nations are the Canadian equivalent to American Indian Tribes or Nations. The mandate for the AFN comes from resolutions passed by all-Chiefs Assemblies and include advocacy, research and analysis of all activities that impact the lives of First Nations peoples including governance, fisheries and natural resources. My job is to support the Fisheries team by providing analysis and academic research related to Indigenous aquaculture governance, Supreme Court Rights implementation and inland fisheries.

Why were you interested in this particular internship?

I am of Mi’kmaq and Settler descent. My internship inspires me because it combines my passion for combating food insecurity, environmental justice and empowering Indigenous communities. It also builds upon my work as founder of the Indigeneity at Princeton Task Force, which works with the Office of Admission, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Carl A. Fields Center, Office of the Dean of the College and an alumni group led by Yolandra Toya, M.D., a 1988 alumna, to increase Indigenous representation on campus. 

What has been a highlight of your experience?

The highlights have definitely been working at a high level on complex policy issues and working with the Fisheries team. Being able to apply research I’ve previously done at Princeton and in high school on Supreme Court of Canada decisions surrounding First Nations Rights to advise First Nations chiefs is truly an honor. Moreover, I am lucky to have incredibly well-informed, supportive and inspiring colleagues who have made my internship a strong learning experience. 

My hope is that my work will contribute to work being done by the Assembly of First Nations to ensure that First Nations can access rights guaranteed to them by the Supreme Court of Canada, but which haven’t been fully implemented by the Government of Canada. The implementation of these rights will improve the quality of life of First Nations from coast to coast, and is an important step in achieving reconciliation between First Nations and Canada.

Read the full story on the University homepage