Student Spotlight: Leon Picha
Every other week, meet an Indigenous student in our spotlight series! This week’s student spotlight features Leon Picha, and the initiatives he is currently part of:
Could you tell me a little bit about yourself? What are you studying at McGill?
My name is Leon Picha, and I am Coast Salish from the Kwantlen First Nation in British Columbia. I currently work for the Branches Program within Enrolment Services at McGill to help deliver various programming and provide outreach and support to prospective Indigenous students which has been enjoyable and a very fun way to compliment my studies. I’m in my U1 year where I am working towards a Bachelor’s of Commerce in the Desautels Faculty of Management. I am majoring in strategic management with a concentration in information systems on top of a minor in Indigenous studies.
How did you get involved with Branches?
I got into working with Branches after I met Jeffrey Morneau, who works in Indigenous Recruitment at the McGill Pow Wow back when I was fresh and new and McGill. We kept in contact, I shared my ideas for the future of McGill, and the Branches Program had introduced a new position which they had referred me to. One thing led to another, and now I can say I’m loving the work I’m doing, I’m meeting super cool people, working with people I admire, and things are continuing to amaze me day-by-day.
Are there any projects you guys are working on that you’re particularly excited about?
Something I’m definitely excited about is the Soup & Bannock Podcast. That’s the main project I’ve been working on, where we have a nice time to talk about Indigenous futures, and the present in a given industry. We have a podcast coming up soon where we’re focusing on the mental health field – it is super exciting with just as exciting guests!
