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On Campus Resources

Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services

Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services provides a culturally supportive environment to promote academic excellence and serves as a place to balance academic learning with traditional teachings and culture.

Our role is to provide specialized services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples on campus and to develop a mutually productive relationship between Toronto Metropolitan and the Aboriginal community.

Toronto Metropolitan University strives to develop positive relationships with the Aboriginal community through initiatives such as the Indigenous Education Council (AEC), Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services, and the Indigenous Initiatives unit as part of the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI).

Monica McKay, director, Indigenous Initiatives

RASS team

Yellowhead Institute

The Institute is a First Nation-led research centre based in the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto, Ontario. Privileging First Nation philosophy and rooted in community networks, Yellowhead is specifically focused on policies related to land and governance. The Institute offers critical and accessible resources for communities in their pursuit of self-determination. It also aims to foster education and dialogue on First Nation governance across fields of study, between the University and the wider community, and among Indigenous Peoples and Canadians.

Hayden King, executive director of the Yellowhead Institute

Indigenous Employee Services

Toronto Metropolitan’s Indigenous Human Resources Lead, Tracey King, is available to candidates thinking of applying, employees who are looking for support settling in, or leaders who are looking to hire Aboriginal employees.

"We are a strong and resilient people with unique and diverse identities and backgrounds. We have a multitude of transferrable skills, formal and informal education, work and lived experiences that can positively transform every workplace." - Tracey King

Tracey King, Indigenous Human Resources Lead

Indigenous Education Council

The Indigenous Education Council (AEC) is a group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and professionals within the university and community organizations that are motivated to support Toronto Metropolitan students and faculty in regards to Indigenous curriculum and student and faculty support for professional development.

AEC and Indigenous Initiatives as part of the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion have been given the responsibility to guide, develop and give the leadership of Aboriginal education at Toronto Metropolitan. 

The council's work includes a focus on the implementation of the Postsecondary Education Fund for Aboriginal Learners (PEFAL) through the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Visit the Indigenous Education Council website to learn more.

Cher Trudeau, Office of Indigenous Initiatives Administrative Assistant and Indigenous Education Council Coordinator.

Chair in Indigenous Governance

The Chair is supported by Toronto Metropolitan University as part of its commitment to Indigenous education, diversity and social justice. The mandate of the Chair is to conduct research and scholarship in relation to Indigenous law, governance and politics in a First Nation context.

Pamela Palmater, Chair in Indigenous Governance

Indigenous Education

The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching provides a number of compiled resources for self-guided learning.

 

TMU Libraries

National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020, the Library compiled a list of suggested resources, literature (electronic format) and films that are accessible to the Toronto Metropolitan community.

Indigenous Students Association (external link) 

The Indigenous Students Association (ISA) is a student-run group focused on addressing the needs of Toronto Metropolitan’s Indigenous students and enhancing the circle of understanding between the Indigenous community and the diverse cultural groups on campus.

In the spirit of cooperation and global community, ISA works to build, amplify and maintain Indigenous voices across campus. They also work towards addressing issues faced by Indigenous Peoples in the areas of human rights, education and personal development.

ISA’s goals aim to support students by engaging in Toronto Metropolitan’s student life. The three main goals seek to:

  • advocate for students
  • develop positive relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
  • support and enhance a positive awareness of Indigenous issues within Toronto Metropolitan University

For more information, please visit the Indigenous Students’ Association at Facebook page (external link)  to learn more.

Pow Wow Education Week (external link) 

In the late 1990’s, Toronto Metropolitan (formerly Ryerson) became the first university in Toronto to host a Traditional Pow Wow, organized by the newly created Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services. Now an annual event, the Pow Wow and Education Week is a full week of workshops and events, ending with a Pow Wow and Vendor Market.

Saagajiwe (external link) 

The Faculty of Communication & Design’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Indigenous Research and Creation.