Parks Canada employee shares his Indigenous culture

submitted by Nancy Clement, Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer, PEI Field Unit, Parks Canada

This is the second in a series of interviews with “Parkies” (Parks Canada employees) working on PEI.

Meet Lucas Milligan, Heritage Presenter, Parks Canada

What led you to apply for a position at Parks Canada?

I really wanted a job that would give me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person and Parks Canada definitely helped me achieve that.

How was your experience with Parks Canada during your first two years?

My experience has been amazing over the past two summers. I have made many friends and have interacted with people from all over the world.

How did your experience complement or support your studies or your career path?

Parks Canada made me really think about going back to school, so I am currently attending upgrading courses. Then I plan to attend college so I can hopefully get a full-time position at the park.

What positions have you worked in so far?

I have worked as a Heritage Presenter, participating in programs for visitors and creating information tables about the famous beaches in PEI National Park.

My first year at Parks Canada was a learning year, seeing how everything worked. My second year at Parks Canada was a lot more comfortable and I felt confident about my work.

What is the best thing about working for Parks Canada?

Parks Canada helped me spread the knowledge about my Indigenous culture. All the information I learned from Elder Junior Peter-Paul (who is also employed by Parks Canada as a Mi’kmaq Heritage Presenter) helped me learn more about my culture and appreciate it that much more.

Would you encourage a friend to apply at Parks Canada, and if so, why?

I would encourage a friend to join Parks Canada; actually, I have several times. Everybody at Parks Canada is great at accepting and welcoming new people. Parks Canada is also a great place to be yourself.

Employment Open Houses open doors to opportunity and adventure with Parks Canada

Parks Canada hosted two Employment Open Houses in early February at Ardgowan National Historic Site.

Parks Canada staff from Human Resources, Resource Conservation, Indigenous Relations, and Visitor Experiences teams were on hand to assist with filling out applications and to give participants behind-the-scenes info on working with Parks Canada.

So…what did the participants learn from these open houses?

Some of them asked if there are any jobs with Parks Canada that are not bilingual positions. Staff were able to point them to jobs they could apply for as an English speaker (called “English Essential” jobs in the public service).

Many participants were surprised to learn that seasonal entry-level jobs really can lead to long-term or year-round positions and that some of Parks Canada’s current senior staff began as students!

Another frequent comment was on the wide range of jobs

Only certain positions were available during this round of hiring, but many others may become available later in the spring or even during the summer and fall, so participants were encouraged to keep an eye out for future openings.

Although the current round of hiring for positions specific to students and youth is over, there may be more opportunities for all ages posted through the spring and early summer.