Anna M. Ratzlaff - To Change, To Create, To BE.
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I aspire to make authentic connections that put youths’ voices first. Cultivating power to voice must be done with intention, with all students I assume there is more than what I can see. It is a privilege to be a dependable mentor to youth for help in navigating life. Showing students you respect them as individuals can empower them to share their stories and experiences comfortably rather than forcibly. Understanding students perspectives, in turn, enhances my ability to support them effectively.
I plan to expand my understanding on Child and Youth Care to strengthen my knowledge in creating an environment that culminates in life promotion and encourages youth to use their voice. A common teaching among Indigenous People is The Seventh Generation Principle, the philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world that leads the next seven generations into the future — as we all have a prodigious responsibility to them.
Child and Youth Care positions would not exist if it wasn’t for children, I’m passionate about working with them rather than for – to show through action that I will show up when they require someone. Having the opportunity to be a part of the Child and Youth Care – Bachelor of Arts Program would be an honour and provide proficiency and tools in my pursuit of widening youth potential.
“You have to look deeper, way below the anger, the hurt, the hate, the jealousy, the self-pity, way down deeper where the dreams lie. Find your dream. It’s the pursuit of the dream that heals you.” – Billy Mills. A member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe, Billy was the man no-one expected to win at the Olympic Games. But left Tokyo 1964 with a Gold medal for the 10,000-metre race. The rawness of his words serves as inspiration on my journey in pursuing my dream; working with youth.
In my role within the Deputy Minister's Office, I am deeply engaged in policy analysis, focusing on the implications of provincial policies concerning First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and partners. This involves conducting thorough research and consultation & collaboration with representatives from Indigenous Peoples to gather feedback and propose strategies for provincial partnerships and meaningful relationships. I actively support First Nations and partners dedicated to co-developing policies and resources that facilitate the effective implementation of the Declaration Act initiatives in British Columbia. My responsibilities also include performing both quantitative and qualitative analyses to underpin our policy initiatives and providing assistance, support, and guidance to ministries to meet consultation and cooperation obligations in development and reform of legislation, and ensuring alignment of legislation with the UN Declaration.
I created comprehensive feedback on policies, guidelines, and frameworks that align with the Declaration Act and Secretariat alongside communication tools such as presentations, briefing notes, and feedback on potential policies. I assisted the Executive Director of the Natural Resource and Social, Justice, and Policing Sector in formulating organizational policies required under the new Declaration Act passed in 2019 in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Coordination in my position is key; I facilitated information-sharing initiatives with Indigenous organizations, while also arranging discussions with local governments, provincial ministries, and federal departments to ensure a robust exchange of ideas and information. I prioritize building strong relationships across First Nations, municipal, provincial, federal, and non-governmental entities, to foster collaboration. My administrative support encompassed note taking, agenda setting, document management, and action item tracking, as well as providing logistical assistance for both in-person and virtual meetings, ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new working group members.
Applied Business Technology Certificate • University of The Fraser Valley, Abbotsford B.C. (2019)
Indigenous Land Stewardship Certificate • Native Education College, Vancouver B.C. (2022)
Bachelor of Arts Environmental Practices • Royal Roads University, Victoria B.C (2023 - Current)
