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Areas of Support
Student Support Coordinators
Academics are just one aspect of your Laurier experience. Your overall well-being, including spiritual, financial, and safety, is crucial to your academic success.
Our Indigenous Student Support Coordinators are here to help you navigate all these aspects and the university system. They can guide you through the supports available within Indigenous Student Services and across campus. There's no wrong way to start engaging with us, but reaching out to the ISSC is typically the first step to understanding how we can support you.
Meet Stephanie
Waterloo Indigenous Support Coordinator, supporting Waterloo, Kitchener and Milton students.
I meet with students who express a diverse range of concerns or needs, and my approach to supporting you is individualistic, flexible, and adaptable.
Each student's experience is unique, and I take the time to evaluate your needs and arrange referrals and support. I advocate for our students to receive the support they need for a positive experience at Laurier.
As a former Laurier student, the Indigenous Student Centre helped me when I needed it, and I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey and support you in any way you need.
I assist students with:
- 1:1 appointments and support
- advocacy in various situations
- financial aid guidance
-
- navigating sponsorship funding (band, MNO, etc.)
- OSAP
- course selection and changes
- referrals to on- and off-campus services
- support for academic petitions and appeals
- emergency support-financial, wellness, academic
Meet Sieara
Brantford Indigenous Support Coordinator, supporting Brantford and virtual students.
I'm here to support you on your journey at Laurier!
Our students come from across Turtle Island and bring their own unique experiences to the ISC. I want to meet you where you're at and support you in a wholistic way, whether you want someone to talk to or need specific guidance.
I also coordinate programming at the ISC. Come by and check out what we have going on! My office is on the main floor, so you can drop in to say hi!
I assist students with:
- 1:1 appointments and support
- advocacy in various situations
- financial aid guidance
-
- navigating sponsorship funding (band, MNO, etc.)
- OSAP
- course selection and changes
- referrals to on- and off-campus services
- support for academic petitions and appeals
- emergency support-financial, wellness, academic
Cultural and Wellness Support
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.
Make sure you take care of your well-being and seek support when you need it. We have an Indigenous student counsellor who hosts workshops and is available for 1:1 appointments.
Visiting Elders and Knowledge Keepers Program
Indigenous Student Services offers students opportunities to engage with cultural knowledge at university through our Visiting Elders and Knowledge Keepers program. This program allows students to connect with Elders for activities such as storytelling, ceremonies, knowledge sharing, crafting, and individual appointments. Knowledge Keepers can provide information on wellness teachings, ceremonies and protocols, traditional plants and medicines, value systems, and more.
Current and Previous Visiting Elders and Knowledge Keepers :
- Lou Thomas
- Peter Schuler
- Gerard Sagassige
- Gail Whitlow
- Michelle Thomas
- Jane Burning
- Sadie Buck
Workshops and Programs
Sweats
Students are encouraged to join sweat lodge ceremonies with Peter Schuler once a semester in Mississauga of the Credit. Before the ceremony, students can learn about the teachings and protocols.
Full Moon Ceremony
Margaret conducts full moon ceremonies on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses 2-3 times a semester. We are grateful to have outdoor space at both Indigenous students' centres to host ceremony.
Feasts
In the fall, we host a fall feast led by Margaret to thank our sacred items and helpers. Students from both campuses can attend this outdoor feast ceremony.
Beading, Moccasin Making, Ribbon Skirts and Shirts, Crafting
We host on-campus workshops covering various arts-based projects, and there are opportunities to learn different crafts throughout the school year. We share information with students via email.
Meet Margaret
As the Indigenous student counsellor, I work with both undergraduate and graduate students on the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I run wellness programming and offer 1:1 appointments.
I am a ceremonialist, and I offer trauma-informed wholistic healing approaches focusing on mental health and wellness (mind, body, spirit and emotion). As an experienced guide, I prioritize mutual trust and safety.
Some topics I can support you with:
- Traditional Healing
- Spirtuality
- Understanding your Indigeneity
- Wholistic wellness (mind, body, spirit)
- Emotional processing for grief, anxiety, stress and more
Book an appointment with Margaret
Academic Guidance
Indigenous Student Support coordinators (ISSC) can provide support with course registration, program planning, changing programs, and add/drop procedures.
You can book a meeting with them via email to discuss your specific needs. Additionally, students can request that their campus-specific ISSC attend their academic advising appointments or set up a separate appointment with their ISSC to prepare for or debrief after an advising session.
Classes and Placements
Summer Research Placement
Eligible Indigenous students can apply for the NSERC Undergraduate Research Award, which offers a summer research placement at Laurier with a qualifying professor. This opportunity allows students to work with a professor on relevant research topics, regardless of their academic program. While many projects relate to the Faculty of Science, opportunities also exist in Business, Arts, Geography, and Psychology.
Eligibility criteria include a GPA of 7.0 (B) overall, self-identification as an Indigenous student, and enrollment in full-time undergraduate studies.
Campus: Waterloo, Brantford
Indigenous Studies Classes
Laurier's Faculty of Liberal Arts, located on the Brantford campus, houses the Indigenous Studies program. Courses are available to students on both campuses.
Campus: Brantford, Online, Waterloo
Meet Tania
As an Indigenous Learning Consultant, I am honoured to walk alongside you as you pursue your educational goals. My role is to uplift and celebrate your strengths, gifts, and achievements while supporting your continued growth and success. Consider me your academic Auntie!
I support Undergraduate and Graduate students on all of our campuses and can meet one on one with students to develop their study skills. I also facilitate academic success programming including Taco Teach-ins, Grad student gatherings, overseeing peer support, Stoodis Study Sessions, and the SEEDs program.
We can support with:
- developing strong time management skills
- overcoming procrastination and low motivation
- active study strategies
- bouncing back from academic setbacks or probation
- helping work through writing assingments at any stage in the process
- connecting with Laurier's student success supports
Appointments, Workshops and Programs
Improve your academic skills through individualized study skills appointments. Learn or strengthen your notetaking, review strategies, and critical reading techniques.
The learning consultant can work with you to develop your skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Book an appointment with Tania
Campus: Brantford, Online, Kitchener, Waterloo
Peer Academic Coaching provides peer-to-peer support to help you transition to university life and beyond.
Connect with upper-year Indigenous students during drop-in sessions or schedule a 1:1 appointment to enhance your study skills.
Meet Destiny, Brantford Peer Academic Coach
Destiny is in her third year with a double major in Indigenous studies and Youth and Children Studies. This is her second year as the Peer Academic Coach and she is dedicated to helping her fellow students with how to be the best student they can be!
Meet Arrianna, Waterloo Peer Academic Coach
Arrianna is in her fourth year of Psychology and is president of the Indigenous Students' Association. Arrianna is a strong advocate for Indigenous students and is excited to support students with their study skills!
Looking to make an individual appointment? Book here.
Campus: Brantford, Waterloo
In collaboration with Writing Services, Indigenous writing tutors and writing services staff are available to help you develop the writing skills necessary for academic success. Check the newsletter and monthly calendars for more information on drop in dates and book a 1:1 appointment via the student succes portal
Brantford: Carissa
Waterloo: Vacant
Campus: Waterloo, Brantford
If you prefer a more casual approach to discussing study skills, consider attending drop-in sessions with the Learning Consultant or Peer Academic Coaches.
Campus: Waterloo, Brantford
These monthly workshops alternate between sharing essential study skills and inviting campus partners to provide information on various types of support available to students.
Topics covered in the study skills cycle include time management, university-level writing, test preparation, note-taking, and strategies for multiple-choice midterms. During the campus partner cycle, topics may include co-op programs, international student exchanges, library and research skills, writing skills, career services, and more.
Study skills workshops are accessible virtually during the campus partner cycle.
Campus: Waterloo, Brantford
Stoodis offers study skills support in two formats. Study Skills workshops are virtual sessions focusing on topics such as time management and test preparation. Stoodis Study Sessions are in-person dedicated study times led by peer coaches. Coaches assist students in setting academic goals for completion during the session.
Campus: Brantford, Online, Waterloo
Graduate Students
We know that taking the next step in your post-secondary education journey comes with a lot of change and have specific programs to make sure your needs are being met.
Contact the Learning Consultant for questions about workshops and events.
These are monthly gatherings that provide a peer-to-peer space for Indigenous graduate students to receive support during their academic journey, from transition to program completion. The gatherings serve as opportunities to share knowledge and offer mutual support.
There are three cohorts of students that participate in these meetings:
- Kitchener and Waterloo students
- Online students
- Brantford students
Each campus has a graduate peer mentors who are help host graduate student events and gatherings. They are available to chat with you via email or 1:1 to provide support as upper year graduate students with navigating work loads, research, and more!
Grad Student Welcoming and End of Year Gatherings
Join us for multicampus gatherings where grad students can connect with peers, Indigenous faculty, and staff from across Laurier while engaging in cultural workshops and build a sense of community.
Cultural and Wellness
Participate in our cultural and wellness programming, tailored to graduate student needs. Explore teachings and practices that can support you during your graduate experience.
Indigenous Research and Methodologies
Each year, we host events featuring Indigenous scholars sharing their experiences and best practices in Indigenous research through panels and invited speakers.
Writing Workshops
Partnering with the Writing Centre, we offer workshops to help you transition to graduate-level writing and understand proper citation practices.
OGS, NSERC, SSRC, Laurier awards – there are so many opportunities to get support funding yourself and your research while in university, but navigating that can be tricky. We partner with financial aid to provide workshops to help you best understand your options and how to apply.
Social Support
Soup Lunches
Join us for free soup lunches at each campus. It's a great way to start coming to the centre, make friends, and build community in a relaxed setting.
Game Days
Unwind with us a few times a term at our game days. Each centre has a big TV and a Nintendo Switch with classic games. Not into gaming? We also have classic card and board games. Our staff are ready to match your energy for some friendly competition!
Special Guest Workshops
We listen to our students! Each year, we host events suggested by students. Past events include tobacco planting, iPad art workshops, bingo, movie or TV watch parties, and more. Have an idea for a fun social event? Let an ISS staff member know, and we'll do our best to make it happen.
Indigenous Students Association
The Indigenous Student Association (ISA) are student clubs at the Brantford and Waterloo Campuses focused on promoting cultural awareness through reconciliation, inclusivity, and friendship.
With events ranging from cultural and spiritual activities to bingo and movie nights, ISA creates community among Laurier’s Indigenous student body and other interested students. ISA is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to come together in a safe environment to express themselves, make friends and learn more about Indigenous cultures.
Connect with the ISA
Waterloo:
Email: wluwaterloo.isa@gmail.com
Instagram: @LaurierISA
Brantford:
Email: wlubrantford.isa@gmail.com
Instagram: @laurierbrantford_isa
