Support and Services

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, hangout with friends or continue on your journey of identity through cultural programming – the ISC has got you covered.

Waterloo WAT Click this tab to view content pertaining to Waterloo
Brantford BRANT Click this tab to view content pertaining to Brantford
Indigenous Student Wellness Multi Click this tab to view content pertaining to Indigenous Student Wellness

Student Support Coordinator

My name is Emily Daniel and I am Anishinaabe Kwe with lineage from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. I am so happy to be working one-on-one with students as the Indigenous student support coordinator at the Waterloo campus ISC.

I am here to support students who are registered at the Waterloo Campus, Kitchener location, or in online programs.

I will advocate on your behalf and provide guidance that is genuine and thoughtful. I pride myself on service that is personable and approachable – I am always happy to meet with you! I am currently working from home by available by email at edaniel@wlu.ca

Indigenous Student Centre

Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik is Anishinaabemowin and loosely translates in English to mean ‘a beautiful learning house.’ Kathy Absolon professor in the Faculty of Social Work and director of the Centre for Indigegogy named the Indigenous Student Centre.

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) in Waterloo is located at 187 Albert Street – stop by and see why students refer to the ISC as their home away from home!
* Please note the Indigenous Student Centre is currently closed*

Mino-Kummik Community Garden

Mino-kummik, good bountiful earth in Ojibway, is the name of the garden located behind the Indigenous Student Centre on the Waterloo campus. This innovative outdoor ceremonial and teaching space features a landscaped seating area, a fire pit, a vegetable garden and an indigenous medicine garden. The aim of the garden is to create a campus green space for the entire Laurier community while showcasing Indigenous culture with activities such as Elder teachings, sunrise ceremonies, drum birthings, and circle teachings.

Student Support Coordinator

Margaret Neveau Margaret is Anishinaabekwe from Batchewana First Nation located on the Eastern shores of Lake Superior. She has over 10 years of experience providing cultural, social, physical and emotional support. Margaret is always welcoming when students and guests visit the Indigenous Student Centre in Brantford. Margaret’s Anishinaabe name is Neegaabeeshbesingkwe, which translates to mean ‘water that falls woman.’

Margaret is currently working from home by you can reach her by email at mneveau@wlu.ca

Indigenous Student Centre

Onkwe is a noun root that means ‘a being.’ On:we is a verb root, action that denotes 'true,' 'original' or 'real.' The word Onkwehon:we is the Mohawk equivalent of the English phrase, 'Indigenous people and/or person' but is more directly translated as ‘the original people.’

When you add a locational suffix :ne, the meaning of the word changes to mean at the place of the original people.

Onkwehonwe:ne is an appropriate description and a great name for the Centre. The Centre was named by Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow, who is a Mohawk woman, Bear Clan from Six Nations.

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) in Brantford is located at 111 Darling Street – stop by and see why students refer to the ISC as their home away from home!
* Please note the Indigenous Student Centre is currently closed*

Medicine Garden

Tsi Tkahehtakon, the Medicine Garden, is located behind the Indigenous Student Centre on the Brantford campus. This unique outdoor space is used to demonstrate traditional land-based teachings about the human relationship to the natural world. Brantford medicine garden From a Haudenosaunee context, there is no such thing as a weed. Our work in the garden demonstrates that all plants have nutritional, medicinal and practical values.

The garden is also the focus of an Indigenous Studies course, Medicine Garden, in which students learn from local knowledge keepers about planting, harvesting and using the medicines in an outdoor and hands-on environment. The Indigenous Student Centre runs year-round workshops using the plants harvested from the garden to make a variety of medicines, as well as personal hygiene and household cleaning products.

Indigenous Student Counsellor

Hello, my name is Robert Simms.
I identify as Metis Non-Status. My spirit name is Man of Many Faces and my clan is Thunderbird. I am the Indigenous Counsellor at Laurier’s Wellness Centre. I have been a social worker for over a decade and have worked primarily with Indigenous People of all different nations and bands all across Turtle Island. I look forward to getting to know the Laurier community and strengthening ties with the Indigenous community both on and off campus!

You can book an appointment with me by contacting the Student Wellness Centre and specifically asking for me.

*Special note: Please note that if you are not residing in Ontario at the time of your appointment Robert will be able to share resources for your area; however, at this time he is not able to provide counselling services to any students outside of Ontario.

What can I help you with?

I am here to address a variety of short term concerns including: anxiety and depression, homesickness, stress management, grief, and more. As a counsellor integrated into the Wellness Centre, my role is to support your wellness and help you find the best resources for your personal situation.

What can I do to prepare?

You may be asking yourself, “What should I do to prepare for counselling?” I recommend that you come with a willingness to be open and talk candidly about your issues.
If possible, it’s best to schedule your counselling session with some free time after (no class or work immediately after if possible!). Being in therapy can often bring up thoughts and feelings you were not aware of and it can impact on us in a variety of ways. It’s helpful to have some time after a session to reflect on what you talked about and how it impacted you.

Programs

Winter 2021

Multi Campus

Cooking with Lois: Keep an eye on our social media pages for cooking demonstrations with Lois! Learn to make some tasty foods including Bannnock!
Visiting Elder Individual Sessions: Michelle Thomas is a Seneca Bear Clan woman here to support students with traditional knowledge and healing. Email your Indigenous Student Support Coordinator to book your appointment.
Powwow Dance Classes: We are thrilled to welcome Steevi King to lead us through a unique workout. Happening during the evening throughout February and March. Check your email for the zoom links!
5 p.m. EST - February 11, 25, March 11, 25

Brantford Campus

Check Ins and Teachings with Margaret: Monday afternoons join Margaret for a time to check in, reset yourself for the week, and learn some traditional teachings. Zoom links are in the weekly newsletter.
WOW! With Alex from BRISC: Work On Whatever with Alex! This is our remote crafting circle! Check your newsletter or reach out to Margaret for more information on how to get involved.

Waterloo Campus

WOW! Hangout with Emily!: The Indigenous Student Support Coordinator Emily will be on zoom every Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. EST. Join her for some time to catch up, check in, or have some accountability to get something done! Work on Whatever - school work, beading, crafting, the list goes on!

Services

Academics: We offer advising, tutor matching, assistance with course selection, peer mentoring, and academic skill development programs. We also have a study lounge available for small group meetings or individual study sessions.
Research: Borrow a book from our resource library full of Indigenous perspectives on a variety of topics.
Financial aid: Get help with bursary and scholarship information, reference letters and mailing applications.
Personal support: We are here for you! We focus on student well-being and cultural identity guidance.
Cultural programming: Check out our craft workshops, speaker series, moon ceremonies and more.
Socials: Soup lunches are Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. – there’s a hot bowl of soup waiting for you!
Visiting Elders-in-Residence: Attend an Elder talk or schedule a one-on-one – their knowledge and guidance is invaluable.
Referrals: If you’re looking for support on or off campus, we can point you in the right direction.

FAQ

Are the Indigenous Student Centres open?

Unfortunately, the Indigenous Student Centres will be closed to use until further notice; however, you can access one-to-one supports from your Indigenous Student Support Coordinator.

Are the Indigenous Student Centres offering programming and events this semester?

The Indigenous Student Centre staff while working from home are still working hard to offer a variety of programming and events this semester. For more information please refer to your Indigenous Student Support Coordinator's newsletter to your @mylaurier.ca account.

Some information and events will be posted to the MyLearningSpace “Indigenous Student Services” portal as well.

Please stay in touch by following us on social media:

Twitter: @WLUIndigenous

Instagram: wluindigenous

Facebook (Waterloo): Indigenous Student Centre (Waterloo)

Facebook (Brantford): Indigenous Student Centre (Brantford)

How can I access library resources?

The library collection at the Indigenous Student Centres are closed as we prepare for our moves. At this time all library requests and information is found on the Library Services webpage.

Are there supports for students needing better technology and internet services?

At this time there is no specific support for students in need of accessing better technology or internet access to pursue remote learning. Please reach out to your Indigenous Student Support Coordaintor if you are seeking support in this area as student requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

For software needs and access to tech support please refer to the Tech Services page.

Where can I access traditional Indigenous medicines and smudging?

Due to the current closeure of the Indigenous student centres, we are offering current self identified Indigenous students the opportunity to have medicines mailed to their homes.

Please reach out to your Indigenous Student Support Coordaintor if you would like to request a smudge kit.

I have questions about Third Party Sponsorship - who can I talk to?

Your Indigenous Student Support Coordinator is your first step in getting information and support with third party sponsorship. Your support coordinators are equipped with the information and contacts you will need to solve any complex issues regarding sponsorship.

Where can I learn more about the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Action Plan?

The relationship between Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Indigeneity at Laurier is in the spirit of the Two Row Wampum. They walk side by side, down the same path, in pursuit of partnership and mutuality in pursuit of an inclusive, welcoming and just community.

For more information please visit Action Plan | Equity Diversity Inclusion

I have questions about OSAP and sponsorship. Who should I talk to?

Please speak with your Indigenous Student Support Coordinator for a personalized conversations about financial opportunities to support your learning.