Indigenous Student Supports
Assiniboine’s friendly and welcoming attitude is simply who we are. Our team offers a wide-range of support and services to assist students along their post-secondary journey. Small class sizes mean your instructors know your name and want to get to know you. Our campuses are easy to find and navigate, which means you can move between classes quickly, see friends every day and access any supports you need.
First Nation, Inuit and Métis students should feel welcome, safe, and have a sense of belonging. We work closely with success advisors from every school and program to guide students along their academic journey. In addition, we liaise and coordinate with community resources available to support student wellness. We act as a resource for all students and faculty in their efforts to acquire a true understanding of Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing.
All students are encouraged to access our services and participate in events on campus, such as:
- Indigenous Student Welcome
- Fall Feast
- Holistic, proactive advising and support
- Elders and Knowledge Keepers’ program
- Family events
- Cultural celebrations, activities and teachings
- Peer mentoring and role models
- Our Journey: End of Year Celebration
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Traditional Knowledge and Teachings
Visiting Elders and Knowledge Keepers are available at all campuses and community programs. They represent Dakota, Lakota, Ojibway, St’at’imc, Cree and and Métis nations, and provide guidance, teachings, historical information, traditional knowledge and support to all students.
Although our Elders are not always present on campus, they will meet with students anytime there is a request to do so. Meeting with an Elder may be as informal as a casual visit or can include cultural or spiritual teachings and guidance at your request.
Cultural Centres
Cultural centres provide comfortable, welcoming environments for students to relax and mingle. It is an ideal place to visit with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, the Indigenous Affairs team and fellow students, study, or relax between or after classes. You can find our Cultural Resource Centres in the following locations:
- Room 430A, Victoria Avenue East Campus
- Room P112, North Hill Campus (Pineridge Building)
- Room 109, the Parkland Campus
- Room 133, Winnipeg Campus
Peer Mentoring Program
The Indigenous Peer Mentoring Program pairs new and returning First Nation, Métis and Inuit students to assist with the transition to post-secondary learning. Students participate in cultural activities, one on one and group mentoring, study groups and sharing circles.
Meet new people, navigate and access college and community supports, build communication and relationship skills, and help other students embrace their culture!
Indigenous Student Welcome
We know many students will be nervous as they make their transition to college. Each year, we like to welcome new and returning students with a day filled with food, fun, prizes, entertainment and ceremony. This event gives students an opportunity to meet peer mentors, advisors, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, as well as other supports available on campus and in the community. It is a great way to get to know other students, make important connections, and helps ensure students are ready to go on the first day of class.
Our Journey: End of Year Celebration
In May, Assiniboine College, Brandon University, Brandon School Division and our Indigenous education partners hold a joint celebration of Indigenous student success. It is a chance to honour our graduates together, from Head Start programs through to post-secondary. The day begins with a pipe ceremony and honour song, followed by a Grand Entry and Pow Wow. Métis and Inuit performances round out the music and dance components, and a community-wide feast caps off the celebration.