What We Can Offer You
“The Indigenous Student Affairs office, located in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC), is home to a friendly, accessible and knowledgeable team that offers academic support, counselling, cultural and social programming, cultural support, and Elder/traditional resource programming. Take a look below at each of our roles for more details on how we each support Indigenous students and the Laurentian community!”
- Indigenous Student Affairs
Our Team
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Mary Laur
As Director of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, I oversee Indigenous student recruitment and retention initiatives. I provide advocacy, policy and political support. I manage the development, preparation and editing of communication products. I also align Indigenous Student Affairs programming and planning with both the LUNEC and Laurentian University Strategic Plans.
I can be reached by telephone at 705-675-1151 ext. 4050 or by email at ml_laur@laurentian.ca!
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Cynthia Belfitt
As the Indigenous Counsellor, I work closely with Indigenous students to provide personal counselling, educational advocacy, and career support. I organize events and workshops throughout the year that are geared towards health and wellness which foster cultural awareness, growth, and safety. Events and workshops include ASIST and Mental Health First Aid First Nations, and The Inquiring Mind training, as well as KAIROS Blanket exercises, the ISLC Half-Nighter, self-care, bursaries, budgeting, stress management, vision boards, healthy relationships, and many more!
I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 1048 or by email at cx_belfitt@laurentian.ca!
Émilie Bourgeault-Tassé
As the Indigenous Learning Strategist, I provide students with academic writing supports, time management, and organizational strategies that are delivered through various workshops, one-on-one meetings, student writing and assignment check-ins that can be on-campus or online throughout the academic year. I also liaise with faculty, staff and other campus supports. In addition to this, I organize and deliver S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) academic workshops and the Indigenous Student Celebrations in the Spring and Fall.
I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 3062 or by email at ex_bourgeaulttasse@laurentian.ca!
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Natalie Lacasse
As the Indigenous Student Transitions Navigator, I recruit Indigenous students and I guide them on their transition and orientation to Laurentian University. I liaise with various schoolboards, tour with APSIP, and participate in community events. I'd love to meet with you and discuss how Laurentian is the best fit for you - contact me for more information or to book a tour at the ISLC!
I can be reached by phone at 705-929-9160 or by email at nj_lacasse@laurentian.ca!
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Amy Commanda
Aanii! Gchi-waasa-nangoons-kwe ndi-zhnikaas, ngik ndoodem. Niip'sing ndoo-njibaa.
As the Events and Media Coordinator for the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, my role is to develop and maintain a strong media presence for Indigenous Student Affairs through their website as well as social media platforms and other advertising mediums. My focus is to support Laurentian Indigenous students, staff, and faculty through activities that encourage success and foster a culturally safe and thriving campus. I am responsible for organizing events and workshops throughout the year as well as booking the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre ISLC Round Room, Seminar Room, and wiigwaam.
I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 4051 or by email at ax_commanda@laurentian.ca!
Paskwa Lightning
As the Indigenous Student and Community Engagement Coordinator, I create awareness of the support services available through Indigenous Student Affairs as well as facilitate cultural activities such as the Makers Monday program. I deliver presentations that promote Indigenous identity and culture to schools in the Greater City of Sudbury and surrounding Indigenous Community schools. Additionally, I provide information on Indigenous cultural programming at Laurentian University to First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities.
I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 3057 or by email at plightning@laurentian.ca!
Eli Lorney Bob
As the Language Revitalization Coordinator, I offer Anishinaabemowin language workshops, provide cultural instruction and teachings that facilitate language learning, as well as offering support to the Elders and Knowledge Carriers in the Niikaansidook - All My Relations program.
I can be reached by email at isa@laurentian.ca!
The Niikaansidook - All My Relations program offers teachings, workshops, and ceremonies with traditional Anishinaabe Elders and Knowledge Carriers. We seek to support students in understanding Anishinaabe identity and worldview. This is done through various workshops, teachings, and ceremonies. In the spirit of the teaching of "All My Relations", Elders and Knowledge Carriers from other territories are invited to share their wisdom.
An Anishinaabe Waadiziwin (protocol for working with traditional Anishinaabe Elders and Knowledge Carriers) is also forthcoming. It will contain information on how to approach traditional Anishinaabe Elders and Knowledge Carriers and how to work with them when they come to help in our Laurentian community.