Hello, I’m Mark Wilcox, volunteering here at MOA from ATN Access. I’m here to help in the gift shop for a 10 week placement. Many of the things I do at ATN is research for local jobs, write resumes, and fill out job applications.

I’m also known as the “Ribbonator” because I’ve acquired professional ribbon curling status! I’ve been helping Jennifer in the gift shop doing various skill building tasks that I can transfer into a full time job. Since there are many birthday parties, I’ve been learning how to curl ribbon (many guys can’t say they have this talent). I’ve gotten so good that I could be Spiderman’s sidekick, spraying curled ribbon from my wrist.

Other things I’ve learned have been receiving orders and maintaining inventory, creating museum-made items, greeting visitors, using the cash register, gallery maintenance, photographing, gardening, and much much more!

Before coming to MOA, I had graduated from high school and was looking for work. I was happy to hear that I’d be working in a gift shop because I have a lot of retail experience, there’s a lot to keep me busy here at the Museum, and I have an interest in history. When I’m not at work, I enjoy playing soccer, reading, hanging out with friends, going to the movie theatre, and looking for a fun job.

My favourite part of my job is working with customers, showing them around the museum, and working at the cash register when I’m needed. If there’s one thing to tell the world about MOA it’s that it’s an interesting place to bring your kids because it tells you about Ontario’s First Nation people’s history.