At 25, Sunshine Capilo-Joseph is already making a lasting impact in her community, and she is just getting started.
A proud Ktunaxa woman from Windermere, but raised in Cranbrook, Sunshine has spent the past six and a half years at Aqamnik School as an Education Assistant. What began as a job quickly became something much deeper.
“My connection to my community means everything to me,” she says. “Aqamnik has become so much more than a workplace. The staff are like family, and the relationships I have built with students and families mean so much to me.”
Those relationships are at the heart of everything Sunshine does. Whether she is supporting student learning, celebrating milestones, or offering a steady presence during challenging moments, she brings both care and intention to her role.
“Students are at the centre of why I do this work,” she explains. “They are the reason I love coming to work every day. I love being part of their growth, celebrating their successes, helping them through challenges, and being someone they can count on. They make me laugh, keep me grounded, and remind me why I chose this path.”
A calling confirmed
For Sunshine, becoming a teacher has always felt like a natural path.
“When I was younger, I was constantly playing school, with my dolls and stuffed animals as my students,” she said. “As I got older and worked in education, that feeling only grew stronger. Being an Education Assistant confirmed that this is exactly where I am meant to be.”
After several years supporting students in the classroom, Sunshine chose to build on that hands-on experience by enrolling in the Education Assistant program at College of the Rockies. The program allowed her to formally develop the skills she had been using every day, while preparing for her long-term goal of becoming a teacher. Balancing coursework with her responsibilities at Aqamnik, along with her commitment to community, was no small task.
“It was hard, but also really rewarding,” she says. “There was a time I had to reduce my hours to part-time to keep up with my studies. My colleagues at Aqamnik were incredibly supportive and flexible, and that made such a difference.”
Throughout her studies, it was the people around her who helped her keep going.
“My coworkers, instructors, mentors, friends, and family all played a role,” she says. “Having people who encouraged me, challenged me, and reminded me why I started made all the difference.”
She also credits the role of Indigenous Student Support and Accessibility Services in helping her succeed.
“Jo-Ann was amazing. She was incredibly helpful, supportive, and understanding throughout my journey. The Student Services team also helped create an environment where I felt supported and set up for success.”
That sense of support has been especially meaningful given her personal journey.
“My biological family has experienced separation,” she shares. “Having people believe in me and invest their time and energy into my success was incredibly meaningful. I have been fortunate to have a supportive foster family and an amazing chosen family through work.”
Leading by example
Beyond the classroom, Sunshine is emerging as a leader in her community, including her involvement with the Ktunaxa Education Council.
“Leadership is not just about being the person who speaks the loudest,” she says. “It is about listening, supporting others, and helping create opportunities for those around you.”
At Aqamnik School, she sees herself as both an educator and a role model.
“When students run up to me or call out my name, it instantly makes my day,” she says. “I hope students and families know they have someone in their corner who genuinely cares about them, wants to see them succeed, and who is someone they can trust.”
Looking ahead
Now, Sunshine is preparing for the next step in her journey. She has been accepted into the Indigenous Teacher Education Program at UBC.
“It means so much to me,” she says. “It represents years of hard work, growth, and perseverance. It reminds me that even when things feel difficult, staying committed to your goals can lead to amazing opportunities.”
Her long-term goal is clear and deeply rooted in community.
“My goal has always been to come back home and teach,” she says. “I want to bring back everything I learn, share new ideas, and continue supporting students and families in the community that has supported me for so many years.”
A message to those who are unsure
Sunshine’s story is one of resilience, growth, and courage, and she hopes it encourages others who are unsure about taking the next step.
“I was not ready either, and I still went for it,” she says. “If you keep waiting until you are completely ready, it may never happen. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and trust yourself.”
Looking at where she is today, she is proud of how far she has come.
“Graduating, spending six and a half wonderful years at Aqamnik School, and being accepted into UBC are all things I am proud of,” she says. “I kept going even when things felt challenging, and now I am one step closer to returning home as a teacher and giving back to the community that has given so much to me.”