Resources & Support

Indigenous Education Council (IEC)

The IEC is a group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and professionals within the university and community organizations that are motivated to support TMU students and faculty in regards to Indigenous curriculum and student and faculty support for professional development.

IEC and Indigenous Initiatives as part of the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion have been given the responsibility to guide, develop and give the leadership of Indigenous education at TMU. 

The council's work includes a focus on the implementation of the Postsecondary Education Fund for Aboriginal Learners (PEFAL) through the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Visit the Indigenous Education Council website to learn more and contact Cher Trudeau, Office of Indigenous Initiatives Administrative Assistant and Indigenous Education Council Coordinator.

Indigenous Students Association

The Indigenous Students Association (ISA) is a student-run group focused on addressing the needs of TMU’s Indigenous students and enhancing the circle of understanding between the Indigenous community and the diverse cultural groups on campus.

In the spirit of cooperation and global community, ISA works to build, amplify and maintain Indigenous voices across campus. They also work towards addressing issues faced by Indigenous peoples in the areas of human rights, education and personal development.

ISA’s goals aim to support students by engaging in TMU’s student life. The three main goals seek to:

• advocate for students
• develop positive relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
• support and enhance a positive awareness of Indigenous issues within TMU

Follow the ISA on social media 

Facebook: Indigenous Students’ Association at TMU (external link) 
Twitter: @isa_Xuniversity (external link) 

Yellowhead Institute 

The Yellowhead Institute is a First Nation-led research centre based in TMU’s Faculty of Arts. 

Privileging First Nation philosophy and rooted in community networks, Yellowhead is specifically focused on policies related to land and governance. The Institute offers critical and accessible resources for communities in their pursuit of self-determination. It also aims to foster education and dialogue on First Nation governance across fields of study, between the University and the wider community, and among Indigenous peoples and Canadians.

Visit the Yellowhead Institute website (external link)  to learn more and contact the Yellowhead Institute team (external link) .

Follow the Yellowhead Institute on social media 

Twitter: @Yellowhead_ (external link) 

Chair in Indigenous Governance

Dr. Pamela Palmater is the Chair in Indigenous Governance, supported by Toronto Metropolitan University as part of its commitment to Indigenous education, diversity and social justice. The mandate of the Chair is to conduct research and scholarship in relation to Indigenous law, governance and politics in a First Nation context.  

As part of this broad mandate, the Chair also teaches and develops curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels relevant to Indigenous governance and holds public events at Toronto Metropolitan University for students, faculty and/or the public, as well as participate in conferences, colloquia, and special lectures on Indigenous governance issues.

Visit the Chair in Indigenous Governance website to learn more.

Follow Dr. Palmater on social media 

Twitter: @Pam_Palmater (external link) 
Youtube: Pam Palmater (external link) 

Saagajiwe Centre for Interdisciplinary Centre for Indigenous Research and Creation

Launched in 2017 under the name Indigenous Communication and Design Network (ICAD), Saagajiwe is the Faculty of Communication and Design’s (FCAD) Interdisciplinary Centre for Indigenous Research and Creation. Saagajiwe is the Anishinaabemowin word for “the first ray of light,” which was created to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous worldviews, ways of thinking and speaking, and relationships. Dr. Lila Pine, RTA School of Media professor, is currently the director of Saggajiwe. Dr. Pine is also a new media artist and Indigenous thinker of Mi’gmaq descent. 

Follow Saagajiwe on social media 

Twitter: @Saggajiwe  (external link)