Indigenous Education is kicking off Winter term by hosting a virtual Meet and Greet with Indigenous Counsellor Jamie Consoli on January 12
Student Services Director Lianne Gagnon noted that the event aims to connect Indigenous students to wellness supports at the College.
“Having an Indigenous counsellor is very beneficial to Indigenous students because Indigenous concepts about mental health and wellness can be distinct from Western concepts of well being,” said Gagnon. “Western counselling strategies do not often include Indigenous worldviews, so our Indigenous Counsellor incorporates cultural components to wellness that non-Indigenous counsellors may not.”
Consoli is a Muskego Cree woman originally from Northeastern Ontario. As a counsellor, she supports Indigenous students by integrating clinical and traditional healing methods.
“I have the pleasure of working with all NC students, but what is unique about my role is the shared and lived experience of what it means to be an Indigenous person in 2022,” said Consoli. “This is an important factor in building rapport and a sense of community amongst Indigenous students.”
Consoli noted that the Meet and Greet is an opportunity for Indigenous students to get to know her as the Indigenous Counsellor while learning about mental health and wellness supports available at NC.
“The Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services team has many services available for students offered by a passionate and driven group of individuals who are genuinely care for the well-being of students,” she said.
Students who attend the Indigenous Counsellor Meet and Greet will be automatically entered for a chance to win NC swag.
The event will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Registration is not required. Click on the event on the Indigenous Education site to access the link.
