A new mentorship program being piloted by NC’s Indigenous Education is set to connect Indigenous students with role models, with their culture, and with each other.
“We know that when Indigenous students have peers and role models to relate to, they’re able to draw on shared experiences, which helps them develop as leaders in their community,” said Jamie Warren, of NC’s Indigenous Education office. It’s a trend that Warren and others have seen in their interactions with students through Indigenous Education, and one that prompted the team to explore the new program.
‘Seeds for Community,’ seeks to give NC’s Indigenous students a boost to their leadership skills by helping them embrace their culture and step into their identity as members of the Indigenous community. Students will have the opportunity to engage with Niagara’s Indigenous community, participate in career-readiness and other programs and workshops, and build relationships with Indigenous mentors, as well as with each other.
Bi-weekly sharing circles will be held at both campuses, in addition to other activities. “The program is engineered to be responsive and driven by the students’ needs,” said Warren. “We really want to engage with them to find out what sorts of supports and tools they feel can best connect them with their culture and identity.”
Indigenous students interested in the program are asked to apply no later than Oct. 19, by emailing Warren at [email protected]. Students should include their name, student number, and a brief paragraph detailing how they hope to benefit from the program as a student.
Faculty and staff are also asked to encourage students who they think would be a good fit for the program to apply.
Indigenous Education is proud to announce a new program that will be running specifically for Indigenous students. All interested students must apply by October 19. Please view the flyer for further details. pic.twitter.com/gjKPgFOg0x
— Indigenous Ed @ NC (@IndigenousEdNC) October 5, 2018
