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Support and Services

The Indigenous Student Centres 

Our Indigenous Student Centres serve as the hub for Indigenous students.  No matter the Laurier campus or location you find yourself on undertaking your academic journey, our two Indigenous Student Centres (ISC) will welcome you with open arms. Whether you are looking for a space to study, hang out with friends, or continue on your journey of identity through cultural programming – the ISC has got you covered.

 

Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik - Indigenous Student Centre

157 Albert St. Waterloo ISC Waterloo

Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik is Anishinaabemowin and loosely translates into English as 'a beautiful learning house.' Kathy Absolon, a professor in the Faculty of Social Work and Founder of the Centre for Indigegogy, named the Indigenous Student Centre.

The Indigenous Student Centre is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM with OneCard Access. Check out a Virtual Tour.  

This center welcomes students from the Waterloo, Kitchener, Milton, and Online campuses.

At the Waterloo ISC you will Find:

  • Variety of study spaces 
  • Comfortable Lounge Spaces 
  • Elders Circle Room 
  • Communal kitchen with fresh groceries available for quick meals and snacks
  • Traditional medicines and smudge always available
  • Free printing
  • Staff offices

 

Onkwehonwe:ne - Indigenous Student Centre

111 Darling Street, Brantford

ISC BR 1

"Onkwe" is a noun root that means 'a being.' "On:we" is a verb root, indicating 'true,' 'original,' or 'real.' The word "Onkwehon:we" is the Mohawk equivalent of the English phrase 'Indigenous people and/or person,' but it is more directly translated as ‘the original people.’ When you add a locational suffix ":ne," the word's meaning changes to signify 'at the place of the original people.'

"Onkwehonwe:ne" is an apt description for the Brantford Indigenous Student Centre. The Centre was named by Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow, a Mohawk woman of the Bear Clan from Six Nations.

The Indigenous Student Centre is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with afterhours access to the space until 10pm using your OneCard.  The space is accessible to Brantford Campus and Online students. Check out a virtual tour

 This center welcomes students from the Brantford and Online campuses.

At the Brantford ISC you'll find: 

  • Various student spaces
  • Commuters Lounge 
  • Communal kitchen with fresh groceries available for quick meals or snacks
  • Traditional medicines and smudge always available
  • Medicine Garden and outdoor space
  • Free printing
  • Staff offices

What Supports Do we Offer?

Academic: Access a wide range of academic supports, including tutoring, peer academic coaches, study skills programming, course planning, graduate studies information sessions, and Role Model programming
Cultural: Maintaining a connection with your spirit is crucial during your time in school, whether you've grown up with cultural teachings or are eager to learn. Explore our cultural programming and visiting elders program to discover ways to nurture your spirit
Wellbeing: A full-time counselor is available for group programs and 1:1 appointments with Indigenous students.
Social: Building a community on campus is crucial, and we're here to help. Each campus has an Indigenous Student Association that organizes events and programs throughout the year.
Graduate Students: If you're a graduate student, we offer tailored support to enhance your graduate school experience and connect you with other Indigenous graduate students.

Referrals: If you’re looking for support on or off-campus, we can point you in the right direction.

Margaret-Neveau
Meet Margaret Neveau: Indigenous counsellor uses traditional knowledge for healing at Laurier