Lakehead University
IN-1: Innovation 1

The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives (AI) was created in 2003 to provide leadership and enhance Aboriginal academic programming, supports and services throughout the University. The Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives) leads the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives as the senior administrator responsible for Aboriginal academic programming, student support services, and community relations. The Vice-Provost (AI) facilitates a centralized cooperative approach to Aboriginal education at the University, working closely with other senior administrators, the Deans‘, the Senate, and the Ogimaawin Aboriginal Governance Council. The mandate of this office is to provide leadership in Aboriginal development and to advance, within the University community, an understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage, and language through activities which heighten the awareness of Aboriginal issues and identity.

The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives in collaboration with the Office of the President has established the Ogimaawin Aboriginal Governance Council to advise the President on matters affecting Aboriginal learners on campus from Academic Programming to student services, which has enhanced existing services to students. The council is representative of Lakehead and organizations from the surrounding Aboriginal community. O-AGC also has representation on the Lakehead University Board of Governors, and Senate.

The Office of Aboriginal Cultural & Support Services (ACSS) has provides numerous programs in a culturally responsive environment since 1987. Students, staff and faculty have been positively impacted. Our Aboriginal student lounge, also serves as our Aboriginal student services centre. This space has especially helped student’s transition from high school and/or remote First Nation communities because it gives them a place to connect with their culture and other Aboriginal students, giving them a sense of belonging. It is a place where students can benefit from each other’s company, work together on assignments, meet new friends and experience a sense of family while enjoying traditional foods. The Centre gives them access to resources both on and off campus. This space also enables students to take advantage of our ground breaking Elder-in-Residence Program, housed in our Aboriginal student lounge. This cultural space provides a welcoming, safe environment for students to meet individually with our Elders and to smudge as requested. Students’ self-esteem, pride, and confidence in who they are as Aboriginal people are positively impacted by having traditional teachings and/or counseling sessions to augment their studies.

Recently, a full time Transitions Advisor has been established and will work towards successfully implementing a Lakehead specific Transitions Model. Transition and cultural services include but are not limited to: one-on-one guidance sessions, group workshops, sharing circles, traditional teachings (Seven Grandfathers Teachings), informal visits during beading sessions or when on-campus, teachings connected to the land through our medicine garden, sweat lodge ceremonies and smudging with traditional medicines.

The Native Access Program (NAP) soon to be renamed University Prep Program (UPP) for Indigenous Scholars, is a nine-month preparatory program designed to assist students in making a positive transition to university by providing students with an enriched support network and programming. The NAP (UPP) program is intended for students who have self identified and do not meet the general admission requirements to attend university.

Another recently established priority position is the Coordinator of Graduate & External Relations who is responsible for assisting graduate students in their program and connecting Lakehead with the external community for shared interests, paid internships and practicums for graduates.

The raised profile of the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives has brought many new opportunities. Lakehead has a strong commitment to its promising practices of building understanding and responding to the needs of Aboriginal learners and communities through our revamped Native Access Programs, and Aboriginal Programming. Enthusiastic Aboriginal faculty and staff ensure the continuation of these practices and a strong commitment to the Strategic and Academic Plan. It is the intention of the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives to continue to grow these practices to meet the contemporary needs of its increasing numbers of Aboriginal learners.