When siblings Maggie and Ethan Todoruck participated in Mohawk College’s Pathfinder program in 2017, they followed in the path of their aunt Van, one of the program’s original mentors.
Pathfinder, offered through Mohawk College’s Indigenous Student Services (ISS), introduces Indigenous learners to college opportunities while connecting them to land-based learning and cultural teachings right on campus. By providing early engagement and support, the three-week summer program builds confidence, helps students make friends, and prepares them for what’s ahead.
For Maggie and Ethan, Pathfinder wasn’t just a first step towards Mohawk College; it was a shared journey that started with family encouragement and still guides them today.
“Pathfinder was when I got to learn about the college and get my foot into campus,” says Maggie, who completed her Social Service Worker diploma at Mohawk College in 2023 and is currently an Early Childhood Education student. “Now, I’m a mentor in the program myself.”
Blending culture and college prep
When Maggie and Ethan took part in Pathfinder, they discovered it was about more than preparing for school; it was also about leadership and identity.
From career exploration and résumé building to medicine walks, storytelling with Elders, and canoeing on the Grand River, the experiences change each year but stay rooted in community and culture. Past activities include soapstone carving, beading, cooking with traditional foods, and crafts that celebrate Indigenous knowledge.
It was during Pathfinder, launched in 2011, that Maggie started crafting.
“I learned how to bead during Pathfinders,” she says. “Since then, it’s become a hobby. I bead medallions, wristlets and earrings.”
Support for the journey ahead
With about 15 participants accepted each year, Pathfinder creates a welcoming space for connecting with peers and mentors. Now in Mohawk College’s Protection, Security, and Investigation program, Ethan remembers Pathfinder as a helpful guide. It introduced services and reassured him that support was available whenever he needed it.
“I got to know Caroline, an Indigenous Student Services Coach, and a few other ISS staff members,” he says. “It definitely helped to know a few people before I came to Mohawk College. It made it easier to talk to them and get help when I started my program.”
Participants also get a practical head start toward excelling in their first year. Pathfinder helps them see themselves as future college students and provides the chance to earn credit toward their studies. The advantage of earning a college credit stood out to Maggie.
“By getting an elective credit, if you were ever to attend Mohawk College, you’d already have one of your electives done and out of the way, which is always great, especially coming into first year,” she explains. “If you’re nervous, you don’t have to worry about one class.”
Looking back, Maggie and Ethan each took something different from Pathfinder. Ethan formed early connections that eased his transition, while Maggie discovered new passions and a path to leadership. After completing her second summer as a mentor, Maggie is already looking ahead to continuing the program’s legacy of mentorship and community, embodying the same spirit that inspired her aunt Van to give back.
