Indigenous Student Affairs Events and Workshops

Biidaabin (Orientation)

Each Fall, the Indigenous Student Affairs office welcomes both first-year and returning Indigenous students to Laurentian with engaging orientation activities open to students, faculty, and staff including an annual feast. Biidaabin is an opportunity for Indigenous students to be introduced to the academic and cultural supports that are available to them both at Laurentian and within the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Symposium honours the history and experiences of Residential School Survivors who we recognize as “Warriors of Resilience”. The symposium offers a platform for dialogue and collaboration, and provides an opportunity to work together toward actionable steps for reconciliation.

Métis Cultural Days

A day to honour the culture and language of the Métis people and to bring awareness and engagement to Métis arts, culture and history. 

Nakiiwin Tek

Each Winter, the Indigenous Student Affairs office co-hosts a career information fair that connects Indigenous students with potential employers from various organizations and companies across Ontario. This assists students with finding summer jobs and post-grad employment.

Red Dress Campaign

Held annually, the Red Dress Campaign (inspired by The REDress Project by Métis artist Jaime Black) creates awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S)

Moose Hide Campaign

Held annually, the Moose Hide Campaign gives men the opportunity to fast, share teachings, and show their support by standing up against violence towards Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S).

FNIM Student Celebration

At the end of the semester, Indigenous Student Affairs celebrates First Nation, Inuit and Metis student achievement and FNIM graduating students are honoured at this time with a feast inviting families, staff and faculty. 

Academic, Mental Health and Student Support

• Time Management, 
• Essay Writing and Formatting
• Note-taking
• Oral Presentations
• Reading and Research Skills
• Exam Preparation
• Applying for Bursaries & Scholarships
• Self-Care
• Healthy Relationships
• Stress Management
• Lateral Violence
• Vision Boards
• Résumé & Cover Letter Writing
• Budgeting
• Laurentian University Navigation

Please contact isa@laurentian.ca to find out more information.

Drumming

Participate in a drum circle to share songs, stories, learn, and celebrate shared traditions.

Please contact isa@laurentian.ca to find out more information.

Crafters Corner

Each week, students are invited to learn and create in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre. Participants will learn different beading styles, work on textile, leather, wood projects and other multi-medium crafts. This is a great time to de-stress, socialize, and visit. 

Please contact isa@laurentian.ca to find out more information.

ASIST

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. 

For more information on training availability, please email isa@laurentian.ca.

MHFAFN Training

Mental Health First Aid First Nations (MHFAFN) training is designed to provide an opportunity for First Nations participants and others who work with First Nations to learn and have serious conversations about mental health and wellness. Participants will reflect on their life experiences, acknowledge the historical context of the colonization of Canada and move forward to address and explore ways to restore balance on a journey to mental health and wellness. 

For more information on training availability, please email isa@laurentian.ca.

KAIROS Blanket Exercise

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise program is a unique, interactive and participatory history lesson developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators.

Developed in response to the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1996, the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE) covers more than 500 years in a 90-minute experiential workshop that aims to foster understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. 

For more information on training availability, please email isa@laurentian.ca.