Alexia Benn
BA Political Science, minor in Public Administration
Seminar classes - Politics of the Internet, Theories of International Law
Background in vulnerable sector (seniors, youth) and community outreach
All About Me
I humbly acknowledge the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Esquimalt, Songhees and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations whose territory I call home. I commit to treading lightly for as long as I am here.
Hello! My name is Alexia and I am a third-generation immigrant born and raised in Vancouver, although I have called Victoria home since 2016. I am the first person in my family to graduate university, and am passionate about sustainability, environmental issues, food security, self-determination and Indigenous rights, and dismantling structural and systemic oppression.
After graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Public Administration from the University of Victoria, I had no idea what to do. I had spent 5 long years learning about the power dynamics our society is entrenched in, and now free in the social sphere I had no semblance of control or impact where I felt it was owed.
Having explored Indigenous governance and health in the later years of my degree, I found myself deeply affected by the resilience of local First Nations. Knowing intrinsically my values didn't align with entering the public service prior to serving communities experiencing the frontlines of Canadian structural violence, I decided to go against my better judgement and refrain from beginning my career in the public service.
Instead, I ended up applying to a position with the Tsartlip First Nation (W̱JOȽEȽP ), as I had completed a class titled Land, Language, and Practices of Wellness with Nick Claxton and Elder John Elliott (STOLȻEȽ) from the nation. Here, I currently work as the Youth and Family Program Assistant. Working in community has changed my life, and lifted the veil which separates theory entrenched academia and real, lived experience.
Outside of my general political advocacy and work, I am predominately self-taught in communications outside of two communication and politics courses, one journalism course through the University of British Columbia, and a half completed business minor (I switched minors twice before settling on Public Administration). I have had several blogs through high school and university, and was passionate about directing in my youth. I began a podcast by myself in 2021, a journey which has ultimately taught me the power of putting yourself out there, even when its uncomfortable.
