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Support and Services

Indigenous Student Support: 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.

Indigenous Student Support Coordinator

stephanie-a.jpgStephanie (she/ her) is Mohawk First Nations of the Haudenosaunee on her father’s side. She was raised in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region and is a Laurier alumna that graduated in 2021 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology.

As a student she worked part time at the Indigenous Student Centre in various roles. In her current role, Stephanie works with students and the university to support student’s needs, and helps organize programming for the Indigenous Student Centre.

Stephanie is personable and approachable – and always happy to meet with you! To connect with Stephanie please email ISCWaterloo@wlu.ca

Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik - Indigenous Student Centre

157 Albert St. Waterloo ISC Waterloo

Join us at the Indigenous Student Centre - Waterloo Campus for study space and one-on-one appointments with the Indigenous Student Support Coordinator. For a look at the space, take the virtual tour!

The Indigenous Student Centre is accessible Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 with OneCard Access. Hope to see you soon!

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.

Indigenous Student Support Coordinator

jesse-gagnon-2.jpg

Jesse (they/them) is Afro-Indigenous. They are Anishinaabeg with lineage from Odanak First Nation, on their mother’s side and Trinidadian lineage on their father’s side. A Laurier Alumni that graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Social Work. As a student, Jesse worked closely with Margaret Neveau at the ISC for 2 years as the Indigenous Student Centre Assistant. In their current role, Jesse provides support and programming for Brantford campus’ in-person and online students.  

You can reach Jesse by email at iscbrantford@wlu.ca

Onkwehonwe:ne - Indigenous Student Centre

ISC BR 1

111 Darling Street, Brantford

Join us at the Indigenous Student Centre - Brantford Campus for study space and one-on-one appointments with the Indigenous Student Support Coordinator. 

The Indigenous Student Centre is accessible Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 with OneCard Access. For a look at the space, take the virtual tour

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.

 

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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