Enji Giigdoyang Aboriginal Initiatives

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Nipissing First Nation and Nipissing University promote new perspectives on learning
Musician Claude McKenzie helps develop creative ways of learning with area youth as a joint initiative with Nbisiing Secondary School and Nipissing University's Community Service-Learning program

Aboriginal Initiatives Office hosts events throughout the year
Students have opportunities to get together and celebrate and learn more about aboriginal heritage with guest speakers and interactive events

Events on Campus Aim Higher
The Aboriginal Initiatives Office organizes many events aimed at engaging aboriginal high school students in exploring their post-secondary options

Smudging Ceremony at Open House
Professor Terry Dokis led the ceremony and song for the opening of Enji Giigdoyang Aboriginal Initiatives Office

Enji Giigdoyang Opening Ceremony
"Where we come to meet, discuss, and talk about things."

Annual Welcome Pow-Wow
Every year Nipissing and its campus partner, Canadore College, host a pow-wow to welcome Aboriginal students to campus

Collaboration with the First Nation community
A unique partnership with Nbisiing Secondary School enables Nipissing students to participate in Community Service-Learning opportunities

Boozhoo!

We are honoured to be part of your university experience, and we want to welcome you to Nipissing University. In Nipissing dialect, Enji giigdoyang translates roughly to mean 'where we come to meet, discuss and talk about things', which is the culture the office hopes to foster.

The goal of Aboriginal Initiatives Office is to assist you in successfully completing your degree or diploma program at Nipissing University and to have an enriching experience while you are a student here. The Nipissing University Aboriginal student community is a warm and friendly group. We enjoy laughter and warm bannock. We honour each other's life experiences and welcome you to join in our family.

We are dedicated to helping you achieve success in your studies by providing personal, academic and financial support for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. We can also show you around the university, help you find resources, answer any questions or help with any requests you may have. In addition, we are responsible for organizing many social and educational activities and workshops throughout the year, so keep your eyes out for our newsletter and check the events listing on the website.

Know that our doors are always open in room F215. We look forward to seeing you.

Laurie McLaren, Executive Director Aboriginal Initiatives

As leader of the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives, Laurie McLaren is responsible for overseeing First Nation and Aboriginal activities across the University. The office is the point of contact for faculty, staff and students who are engaging with Aboriginal communities. It also provides support services to assist in the achievement of Aboriginal learners. Through collaboration with the Aboriginal advisory council, Laurie develops partnerships that help to support a coordinated framework for reciprocal engagement between Nipissing University and Aboriginal communities. Laurie joined the Nipissing team initially as a student to complete two undergraduate degrees, she later took employment with a First Nation political organization and served in advisory and project development roles before returning to the University in the Aboriginal Initiatives department. She is a member of the Wolf Lake First Nation and daughter to Gerald of the Robinson and Lavigne families and to Noella of the Reynolds and Paul families. She credits the support and encouragement of her parents for teaching her the importance of education and, for showing her through their actions, the tools necessary to find her role in her family and in her community. Laurie is a mother of four children; she has one grandson and enjoys helping and watching them learn.

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Enji Giigdoyang Aboriginal Initiatives

Laurie McLaren, Executive Director Aboriginal Initiatives