My name is Eyitayo Kunle-Oladosu. I am a third-year Honours History student at McGill University, double minoring in International Development Studies and Communications. As a 2020-21 recipient of the Davies Family Arts International Internship Award, I am deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Davies for their generous support of my internship at the Institutional Canopy of Conservation Project (I-CAN), within the Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partner (ILEPA) team. It has gone a long way in providing real-world, international work experience that will be invaluable to my career.
I began my studies at McGill in 2018, uncertain about my career path or academic specialization. While taking courses in the departments of History and International Development Studies, I discovered a real passion for legal history in the context of the Indian Ocean World. In completing research projects throughout my academic career, including two projects at the graduate level on the Indian Ocean World Slave Trade and Canadian Legal History, I developed a deep interest in human-environmental interactions and labour law. I chose to apply for an internship with the Institutional Canopy of Conservation Project (I-CAN) to further explore these interests in a real-world context. I-CAN is a joint research initiative of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the International Development Research Center (IDRC).
As a Research Intern, I worked closely with the executive team of a non-governmental organization, the Indigenous Livelihoods Enhancement Partner (ILEPA), which focuses on advancing rights for Indigenous pastoral peoples through litigation and environmental policy in Narok County, Kenya. Through this internship award, I was able to follow my passions and gain experience. The funding I received through the Davies Family Arts International Internship Award has also allowed me to pursue a research project on the extent to which local capacity-building and development programs expand the capacity of Maasai women to build resilience to climate change and address its structural causes.
In addition to learning from ILEPA's leadership team, one of the highlights of my experience was the opportunity to contribute to the United Nations Summit on Food Systems through the Africa Regional Independent Consultation on Rights to Food and Food Systems of Indigenous Peoples, a regional consultation event hosted by ILEPA. After the Consultation, I composed the draft report to the Summit's Secretariat outlining how the discussion interacted with the White Wiphala Paper on Indigenous Peoples Food Systems and consolidating key policy recommendations.
After graduating from McGill University, I hope to attend law school and pursue a career in litigation - specifically in the areas of environmental law or labour law. This internship award has allowed me to gain necessary experience in public policy and provided financial support that has allowed me to devote my time and attention to ILEPA and their work without being overwhelmed by financial burdens.
This internship is a critical stepping-stone for my career plans. I am deeply appreciative of the award I have received, and I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Davies as well as the founders of the McGill International Experience Awards, for this opportunity.
