First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Students
The Indigenous Student Centre is the home-away-from-home for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis undergraduate, graduate, and diploma students. The Centre provides a culturally supportive environment that prioritizes the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical well-being and development of all Indigenous students. We're here for you!
- Advising and support with the Indigenous Student Advisor
- Cultural advising and learning with Visiting Elders & Knowledge Holders
- Mentorship, engagement, and transition programs
- Community building and social events
- Cultural programming and skill-building workshops
Indigenous at Guelph
- 30+
- Courses with Indigenous focus
- 600+
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis undergraduate, graduate and diploma students
- 115
- Indigenous graduates from diploma, undergraduate and graduate programs in 2024
- 12
- First Nations and Métis Faculty
Indigenous Student Advising
The Indigenous Student Advisor is here to support self-identified Indigenous undergraduate, graduate and diploma students throughout your learning journey here at the University of Guelph. First Nations, Inuit and Métis students can connect with the Indigenous Student Advisor virtually or in-person.
Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)
The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) houses many services and programs for Indigenous students, but most importantly, it is a space for self-identified First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to come together and find community.
Programs and Opportunities
We offer intentionally designed programs, events, and spaces for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to build community, engage in meaningful cultural dialogue, and navigate university life with confidence. Our opportunities highlight Indigenous ways of knowing and being while celebrating achievement and fostering a strong sense of belonging on campus. Programs include START Indigenous, the Wiisookodaadiwag Peer Mentorship program, visits and teachings from Elders and Knowledge Holders, the Celebration of Indigenous Achievement, and more.
START Indigenous
This orientation program for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students helps you and your family members learn more about life at U of G and the supports available. Meet the Indigenous Student Centre staff and other students who will be at your side throughout your journey.
Visiting Elders and Knowledge Holders
The Indigenous Student Centre works with a variety of Elders and Knowledge Holders to provide cultural advising, guidance, and learning opportunities for Indigenous students and the campus community.
Wiisookodaadiwag Peer Mentorship
The Wiisookodaadiwag Peer Mentorship program is designed to provide first and second-year self-identified First Nations, Inuit, and Métis undergraduate students with guidance, support, and mentorship from upper year undergraduate Indigenous students as they transition to life at U of G.
Celebration of Indigenous Achievement
The Celebration of Indigenous Achievement is hosted annually by the Indigenous Student Centre. The Celebration is a unique opportunity to celebrate the successes of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students with the family, friends, and communities that supported their educational journey.
Indigenous Student Centre Events
Throughout the fall and winter semesters, the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) hosts a range of activities and events for Indigenous students, and many others that are open to the entire campus community.
Learning Circles
A weekly opportunity to learn from one of the many visiting Elders and Knowledge Holders the ISC works with.
Indigenous Student Socials
An opportunity for all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to come together, build community, have fun, and share a meal.
Learning on the Land
Includes Arboretum walks and garden teachings, ceremony, and learning sessions in the Teaching Lodge.
Sharing Circles
A space for all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to connect and get support. Topics include identity, wellness, relationships and boundaries, and more.
Crafting Workshops
From beading to dot painting, drum making and more, the ISC offers structured and unstructured opportunities for students to craft and connect.
Drum Circles
A space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to come together in song. No prior experience is necessary, and the ISC has drums and rattles available.
Indigenous Recognition Week
Hosted by ISC annually in March, Indigenous Recognition Week is an opportunity for the campus community to engage and learn together at a variety of events, while celebrating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures.
Indigenous Graduate Student Events
An opportunity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis graduate students to build community, get support, and have fun.
Skill Building Workshops
Build essential life, career, and practical skills through a variety of sessions focused on financial planning and nutrition to applying to jobs or grad school, supporting the personal and professional development of Indigenous students.
Indigenous Student Book Club
A space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to gather throughout the Fall and Winter semesters to discuss themes from a book by an Indigenous author.
Smudging on Campus
Although the U of G is a smoke-and tobacco-free campus, there are provisions for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural practices.
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students looking for a place to smudge? The Indigenous Student Centre is a designated smudging location and has medicines available for your use. Contact the ISC for more information at indigenous.student@uoguelph.ca.
For more information about smudging elsewhere on campus, please refer to the Smudging Procedure.
