Programs
Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services provides a number of programs for First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Canadian Indigenous students (or those who identify by nation or community) at TMU.
Indigenous Career Mentoring Program
The Indigenous Career Mentoring Program is an eight-week pilot initiative designed to support Indigenous students/mentees in finding Indigenous professionals/mentees to enhance their career readiness through culturally supportive teachings and tools. This program is led by Indigenous Initiatives in the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), in collaboration with Career, Co-op and Student Success.
Unique to this program is its foundation in Indigenous ways of being and learning, granting both mentees and mentors flexibility and agency in determining the best forms of contact and meeting frequency. Key concepts integrated into the program include:
- Two-Eyed Seeing / Etuaptmumk: Coined by Elder Albert Marshall in 2004, this concept involves learning to see with one eye the strengths of Indigenous knowledge and with the other eye the strengths of Western knowledge, using both together for mutual benefit.
- Medicine wheel: Mentors and mentees will explore holistic support encompassing mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects.
- Four Rs (respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility) of the teaching model: This model promotes career development and authentic relationship-building over transactional connections.
- Storytelling: Every participant is appreciated for their lived experiences and the perspectives they bring to the circle. Learning to tell your story while listening and understanding with others helps strengthen us professionally and personally.
Who should apply
We are seeking Indigenous students, recent graduates and professionals for our eight-week Indigenous Career Mentoring Program. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to engage in a culturally supportive environment emphasizing holistic development and integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge. Mentees will gain valuable guidance from experienced Indigenous professionals while mentors will share their insights and foster meaningful connections.
What you will do and gain as a mentee
- Mentees, who are Indigneous students and recent alumni, can connect with Indigenous professionals (mentors) who understand your unique experiences and can guide you in building a successful career.
- Benefit from a program grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, incorporating teachings to support your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
- Engage in a mentorship experience that values respect, relevance, reciprocity and responsibility, fostering meaningful connections rather than transactional interactions.
- Embrace the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing, blending Indigenous and Western knowledge to enhance your skills and prepare for the workforce.
What you will do and gain as a mentor
- Mentors, who are Indigenous professionals, are invited to guide and inspire mentees who are Indigenous students and recent graduates. You will share share your knowledge and expertise in a culturally supportive environment.
- Contribute to a mentorship program that integrates Indigenous ways of knowing and being, supporting mentors' and mentees' mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth.
- Participate in a mentorship experience based on the four Rs—respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility—building authentic, lasting relationships with Indigenous students and recent graduates.
- Help mentees embrace the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge, preparing them to navigate and excel in the workforce with a well-rounded perspective.
- Be a part of this pilot program that not only enhances career readiness for Indigenous students but also strengthens community ties and fosters professional networks within Indigenous communities.
- What is the Indigenous Career Mentoring Program? The Indigenous Career Mentoring Program is an eight-week pilot initiative designed to support Indigenous students by connecting them with Indigenous professionals. It focuses on career readiness through culturally supportive teachings and the integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
- Who can participate in this program? Indigenous students and recent graduates who are interested in being mentored. Indigenous professionals interested in mentoring. The program aims to connect mentees with mentors who deeply understand their unique career and cultural needs.
- How do I apply to the program? Interested participants can apply by completing the registration form by the deadline, June 16, 2024.
- What will I gain as a mentee in this program? As a mentee, you will connect with knowledgeable mentors, gain insights into navigating Indigenous and Western professional environments, and receive holistic support for your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
- What are the responsibilities of a mentor? Mentors are expected to guide mentees by sharing their professional experiences, supporting their holistic growth, and helping them integrate Indigenous and Western knowledge to enhance their career readiness. We hope to facilitate long-term connections which could extend beyond these eight-weeks.
- When does the program start, and what is the format? The program begins the week of July 8, 2024. It includes a mix of in-person and hybrid sessions with some self-guided components. Participants should indicate their availability on the registration form.
How to apply
(google form) Complete the application form (external link) to secure your spot in the Indigenous Career Mentoring Program today.
Applications due June 16, 2024
Get in touch with the Indigenous Career Mentorship Program Facilitator
To gain further information about these circles and how to apply, please contact:
Cordelia Sheppard (she/her)
Indigenous Career Mentorship Program Facilitator
Email: csheppard@torontomu.ca
Indigenous Foundations Writing Program
The Indigenous Foundations Writing Program is designed to accommodate those who may have obligations during the day, with classes offered for 1.5 hours, two evenings a week, for 13 weeks. The program will focus on upgrading writing and critical-thinking skills for Indigenous individuals interested in entering bridging (through Spanning the Gaps), certificate, or continuing education programs, or upgrading academic skills towards greater success at the post-secondary level.
The Indigenous Foundations Writing Program runs annually starting April 2024. Learn more through the Chang School of Continuing Education website.
Who should apply
- Indigenous community members who seek the necessary writing and critical-thinking skills to enter into bridging, certificate, or continuing education programs at the university level, or to improve their academic skills towards greater personal achievement.
- Indigenous professionals who are seeking to upgrade their writing skills and may be interested in broadening their professional development through continuing education programs within a university environment.
- Indigenous university students who are looking to upgrade their essay and critical-thinking skills toward greater academic success.
- What is the Indigenous Foundations Writing Program? It is a 13-week, virtual writing program (3 hours a week split between Monday and Wednesday evenings) for Indigenous community members, professionals or students who want to improve their personal and essay writing skills at the academic level infusing an Indigenous perspective.
- What are the benefits of the program? Some of the benefits of the program include small class size, hands on writing sessions and cultural teachings included within the curriculum.
- What will I gain from the program? You will gain the tools to write academically or improve your present writing skills at the postsecondary level toward increased educational and professional success.
- I am interested in learning more, but am I eligible? In order to be eligible for the program, you must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit or Indigenous to Canada) in order to be eligible to participate.
- I’m not ready to commit yet, how can I learn more? If this sounds like the program for you, please email Sloan Miller, Outreach and Recruitment Office at sloan.miller@torontomu.ca to join our next online information session on:
- Wednesday, March 6 | 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (virtual)
- Wednesday, March 15 | 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (in-person)
- Wednesday, March 20 | 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (virtual)
- Wednesday, March 27 | 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (virtual)
Get in touch with the Indigenous Foundations Program team
To gain further information about the program and how to apply, please contact:
Diane Simone
Indigenous Learning Support Facilitator
Email: dsimone@torontomu.ca
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 553326
The Indigenous Peer Support Program is dynamic and made up of Indigenous students at TMU who conduct outreach and provide peer support to other Indigenous students on-campus.
The Peer Support team can provide you with information and resources about our educational, social and cultural events. You can also learn how to get involved and connected with the Indigenous community at TMU.
All Indigenous, Métis and Inuit students are eligible and welcome to participate in the program.
Get in touch with the Indigenous Peer Support team
Room: Kerr Hall West, 372
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 556660
Email: abpeers@torontomu.ca
Apply for a student staff position with the Indigenous Peer Support Program
The Peer Supporter Program aims to enhance the university experience of Indigenous students at TMU by supporting their adjustment and transition to university life. The program helps facilitate academic success, as well as positive social and personal growth. Peer Supporters provide opportunities for Indigenous students to access campus programs, networks and resources that enable them to benefit from a well-rounded university experience.
Peer Supporters will:
- Serve as a positive role models and support systems for Indigenous students
- Professionally communicate with students to offer assistance and valuable academic and social guidance
- Facilitate the active involvement of students in events
- Foster strong links between students and Indigenous Student Services
- Ensure confidentiality of students’ cases
- Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity
Peer supporters are not counselors or teachers, but are important resources, friendly guides, organizers and referral points. They act in a professional manner with students. Peer supporters will initiate and remain in contact with their students to offer valuable assistance and guidance both socially and academically. They are dynamic event organizers, which enrich the network and knowledge of the Indigenous Student Community. In return, Peer Supporters will be provided with the opportunity for valuable hands-on work and leadership experiences, with formal leadership training.
Get in touch and apply to be a Peer
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 556660
Email: abpeers@torontomu.ca
Tea n Talk: Connect with fellow Indigenous students
Tea n Talk is a bi-weekly event hosted by Indigenous Students Services for students who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Canadian Indigenous (or those who identify by nation or community).
Students are encouraged to join us for fun activities and discussion within a casual environment. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and connect with other Indigenous students as well as the dedicated Indigenous Student Services team.
Sessions take place weekly during the fall and winter semesters and bi-weekly during the spring and summer semesters. Learn more and join the next gathering.
Writing workshops and support for Indigenous students at TMU
Indigenous Student Services’ Indigenous Learning Support Facilitator is available to assist students one-on-one with their academic writing assignments from undergraduate to graduate-level studies. We offer a variety of workshops throughout the year to assist students with their writing assignments.
Workshop topics include essay writing and referencing, incorporating Indigenous knowledge into essay writing, time management and effective study habits as well as self-care and wellness for successful academic success.
Access writing support services
Date: Monday to Friday
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Get in touch with the Indigenous Learning Support team
To make an appointment for writing support services or to learn about upcoming workshops, please contact:
Diane Simone
Indigenous Learning Support Facilitator
Email: dsimone@torontomu.ca
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 553326
Sarena Johnson
Liaison, TMU Student Affairs
Email: sarena.johnson@torontomu.ca
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 552423
Cultural and traditional teachings for Indigenous students at TMU
Indigenous Student Services’ Cultural and Traditional Teachings Programs are aimed at complimenting, strengthening and supporting students by connecting them with Elders to receive traditional counseling and support.
The program also invites Traditional Teachers from the Indigenous community to share indigenous knowledge and traditions, to teach Indigenous history, culture and protocols.
Get in touch with the Cultural and Traditional Teachings Program team
Sheila Saikkonen
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 557699
Email: ssaikkon@torontomu.ca
Additional programs for TMU students and Indigenous community members
The Laptop Loan Program provides access to laptops for Indigenous students to ensure computer and program access, which is required to complete schoolwork off-campus. You can sign out computers for a short term loan.
Learn more about the Library’s Laptop Loan Program.
The Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences is a multidisciplinary exploration, analysis, and reflection on the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and their relationships with non-Indigenous peoples. This exploration aims to help develop an understanding of these experiences and relationships from many dimensions: historical, political, social, and arts- and health-related.
This certificate provides a broad orientation to Indigenous experiences in Canada and how Indigenous peoples have been impacted by laws, policies, and practices in the health, social services, human resources, and other sectors. Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, regardless of their academic or professional background, have the opportunity to learn about Indigenous lived experiences through curriculum from Indigenous perspectives taught by Indigenous scholars and experienced community teachers.
Learn more about the Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences Certificate Program through the Chang School of Continuing Education.
The Indigenous Community Outreach and Recruitment program is based on engaging the Indigenous community (both in Toronto and throughout the Province) in identifying how we can collaborate with and support their career, employment, training and education initiatives and programs.
It is associated with existing transition and support programs, involving several internal and external partners (within the Indigenous community, locally and provincially).
For general inquiries about this program please contact:
Sheila Saikkon
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 7699
Fax: 416-598-5919
Email: ssaikkon@torontomu.ca