Indigenous Student Affairs Staff and Services

Mary Laur

Director of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre

Enkendang Nake Niigaanhzii, Enji-maamwi-kinoomaagzing

• Providing direction and leadership in the planning, development, and management of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre.

• Oversees First Nation, Métis, and Inuit student recruitment and retention initiatives

• Facilitates the development and implementation of policies and programs that address the needs and aspirations of Indigenous learners in alignment with LUNEC and Laurentian University strategic plans.

• Supports First Nation, Métis, and Inuit learners by advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in curricula and university-wide programming, promoting culturally relevant policies and funding, and fostering strong community partnerships to address systemic barriers and ensure equitable educational opportunities.

• Supervision of Indigenous Student Affairs staff

I can be reached by telephone at 705-675-1151 ext. 4050 or by email at ml_laur@laurentian.ca

Hailey Sutherland

ISLC Administrative Assistant 

Aanke Nigaanziinh

• Direct students, staff, faculty, and visitors to the appropriate personnel and services within the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC).

• Answer general inquiries in person, over the telephone, and via email for the ISLC.

I can be reached by telephone at 705-675-1151 ext. 5154 or by email at hsutherland@laurentian.ca

Cynthia Belfitt

Indigenous Counsellor

Wiidokaaged

• Works closely with Indigenous students to provide personal counseling, both individually and in group settings

• Organizes health and wellness workshops throughout the year that promote cultural awareness, personal growth, and safety

I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 1048 or by email at cx_belfitt@laurentian.ca

Émilie Bourgeault-Tassé

Indigenous Learning Strategist

Enikendang Naaked

• Provides students with academic writing support, time management, and organizational strategies through various workshops, one-on-one meetings, and student writing and assignment check-ins, which can be conducted on-campus or online throughout the academic year. 

• Oversight of the Indigenous Student Graduation Program and SAGE program

I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 89999 or by email at ex_bourgeaulttasse@laurentian.ca

Melanie Roque

Indigenous Student Transitions Navigator 

Aanhjigaabwit Naagaanzit

• Supports Indigenous students through the university admissions process, including participation in the Indigenous Student Affairs Orientation program

• Supports students in developing and navigating a university completion success plan, including a workforce entry plan

I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 5319 or by email at my_roque@laurentian.ca

Kigen Pelletier

ISLC Events and Social Media Coordinator

Naagaanzit Memaamjiwet 

• Develops and maintains a strong media presence for Indigenous Student Affairs through their website, social media platforms, and other advertising mediums

• Organizes events and workshops throughout the year, including booking the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) Round Room and Learning Lodge

I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 6112 or by email at kpelletier2@laurentian.ca

Paskwa Lightning

Indigenous Student and Community Cultural Engagement Coordinator

Shkaabewis 

• Creates awareness of the cultural support services available through Indigenous Student Affairs as well as facilitate cultural activities, such as the Crafters Corner program. 

• Provides cultural support to the university community.

I can be reached by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 3057 or by email at plightning@laurentian.ca

Eli Lorney Bob

Language Revitalization Coordinator 

Anishinaabemowin Beskaabwedoot

• Offers Anishinaabemowin language workshops.

• Provides cultural instruction and teachings that support language learning.

• Offers 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.