Indigenous Student Services
Where will I find community?
Connecting with your community on campus is important whether you attend a university that is far from home or one just around the corner. To help with your transition to university life, an Indigenous student centre is located at each of Ontario’s universities. The centre provides a safe and supportive environment to help you balance your academic learning with traditional Indigenous teachings and culture.Indigenous Student Centres
Indigenous student centres provide First Nations, Métis and Inuit students with a sense of community and a home away from home on campus. They also provide valuable cultural and academic supports that you may need as you work toward achieving your academic and personal goals.
The centres are well-connected to local Indigenous communities. This relationship enriches both the students and the campus community.
Read more about Indigenous student centres at each university.
Cultural Programming
Elder in Residence
Elders frequently visit campuses to provide counselling and traditional teachings and to lead ceremonies throughout the year. If you would like to meet with an Elder, contact your university’s Indigenous student centre.
Cultural Workshops
Participation in workshops is a great way for you to meet other members of the Indigenous community, learn a cultural skill and de-stress from your studies and exams. Workshops may include beading, drum-making, moccasin-making and traditional cooking.
For more information about workshops and events, contact your university’s Indigenous student centre.
Feasts and Gatherings
Gatherings, socials and potlucks are other opportunities for you to connect with fellow Indigenous students and, at the same time, feast on your favourite Indigenous foods.
Gatherings may include local drummers and dancers, soup and bannock days and weekly or monthly feasts.
Academic Supports
Academic Supports
Each Indigenous student centre offers a range of academic supports in areas, including course registration, academic counselling and tutoring.
You may also join mentorship programs and learning circles led by your peers and Elders.
Study Spaces and Computer Labs
Indigenous student centres offer you another place to study, in addition to the library, your apartment or your residence. Centres are usually equipped with computers, printers and internet access. Some even offer after-hours access, if you request it.
Financial Aid Assistance
Overview
Indigenous student centre staff have first-hand knowledge of internal and external funding sources available to Indigenous students. If you need assistance, contact 1 of the centres. They can help you fill out applications for funding and write reference letters for you.
Job and Volunteer Opportunities
The Indigenous student centre may offer work-study and volunteer opportunities, including being a student mentor, summer camp coordinator or ambassador.
Work-study opportunities allow you to work part-time on campus in a job that accommodates your studies. If you are more interested in volunteering, consider helping out at the centre itself. Many centres’ programs are made possible only with the support of dedicated volunteers.
Community Engagement
Outreach Programs
Some Indigenous student centres offer programs that allow you to engage with local Indigenous communities. Programs include assisting in youth-focused programs, such as March Break programming, summer camps, recruitment fairs and mentoring.