Biidaaban Academic Support (BAS) is a tutoring program for local Indigenous youth in grades 1 to 12, with a focus on mathematics and literacy. Nipissing University student volunteers offer one-on-one support, in-person or virtually, either during the school day, or after school hours.
Program Dates
October 2022 to March 2023. Schedules are adapted to student needs and availability.
Program Locations (schools)
North Bay, Sturgeon Falls and Nipissing First Nation.
Schools fall within the Near North District School Board, Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, and Nipissing First Nation.
Become a Tutor
Open to all Nipissing University students. Register as a tutor by contacting Christine Benoit, Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, at christb@nipissingu.ca, or drop-in at F215-D, in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. You will be asked to participate in a casual interview.
Please bring:
- A copy of a valid Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
- Your class schedule
Community impact
In order for us to measure the impact of tutoring supports for Indigenous youth and tutors, it is important for tutors to record their work by submitting tutoring reports online. Submit Tutor Report
On average, students tutor for 1-3 hours per week throughout the school year.
Benefits of becoming a Tutor
Support Community
- Connect with real people, share in their experiences, learn from them
- Provide human resources where there is a need
- Enhance social awareness and sense of responsibility
- Get to know your community beyond the campus
Professional Development
- Meet people and network
- Learn from experience
- Develop skills and broaden knowledge (critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, communication)
Personal Growth
- Gain perspective
- Assess your strengths, motivations and passions
- Increase understanding of concepts learned in class
- Get to know yourself in different contexts and in relation to others
Recognition
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives recognizes the volunteer work of students in community. Biidaaban Academic Support is RSD approved.
For tutors who complete 10 hours or more of tutoring: you could be eligible to receive free training (webinars, workshops, etc.) including Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, StraightTalk, SafeTalk, Tattered Teddies, First Aid and CPR, inclusive language, etc.
Email Christine Benoit, Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer, at christb@nipissingu.ca for further information.
Tutor Training
In order to qualify for the Biidaaban Academic Support program, we ask that you take the time to view these 3 mandatory workshops (videos), and register for at least one cultural activity from the table below:
- Duty to Report (15 minutes, youtube video)
- Tutoring 101 (53 minutes, youtube video)
- Online Etiquette and Professionalism (30 minutes, youtube video)
| Date | Time | Event | Delivery | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 16 | 11am - 3pm | Welcome pow wow | In-person | Surtees gym |
| Sept 20 | 10 - 11am | Medicine Wheel Teaching with Elder Mike Couchie | In-person | Tipi |
| Sept 26 | 1 - 2pm |
CANCELLED: Drum Teaching with traditional knowledge holder Jennifer Wabano. REPLACED BY: "Broken Treaties Produced Indigenous Poverty", presentation by Traditional Knowledge Keeper Holder Maurice Switzer Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81861849020?pwd=bHY0SFdaVE9XUzhmVXRkMmxGYTFQZz09&from=addonMeeting ID: 818 6184 9020 |
Hybrid | R309 |
| Sept 25 | 1pm |
Student and Staff Sharing Circle (registration required) |
In-person | tipi |
| Sept 28 | 9am - 12pm | SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training | In-person | A228 |
| Sept 28 |
11am - 4pm |
Film screening: Biidaajwan Force of Water, Beans, Hunt for the Wilderpeople |
In-person | A-252C (Teaching Hub) |
| Sept 28 | 12:30-3 | Orange shirt beading activity | In-person | F215 |
| Sept 29 | 3pm - 4:30pm |
Orange Shirt Day: Elder visit and Indigenous Student Sharing Circle (registration required) |
In-person | L334 (Treaty Learning Centre/3rd floor Library) |
| Sept 26-30 | N/A | Film screening: Indian Horse available for all online Sept-26-30 | Virtual | N/A |
| Sept 29 | 6 pm |
Orange Shirt Day: Commemorative event: Indian Horse Film Screening and dialogue with Edna Manitowabi and Roger Chum |
In-person | F213 (Nipissing Theatre) |
| Oct 3 | 12:30 - 1:30pm | Developing Healthy Boundaries (registration required, email christb@nipissingu.ca) | Hybrid | F214 |
| Oct 3 | 2 - 3pm |
Sexual Violence Prevention and Education/ Intro to Allyship (registration required, email christb@nipissingu.ca) |
In-person | TBD |
| Oct 4 | 2:30 - 4pm |
Medicine Walk with Norm Dokis (registration required, email christb@nipissingu.ca) |
In-person |
Campus trails
|
Support links:
Teaching through the 4 Rs of Indigenous Education
To register, or for more information, email Christine Benoit, Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer, at christb@nipissingu.ca.
Niminowaazmin (Year-end celebration)
Niminowaazmin is the Office of Indigenous Initiatives' year-end celebration for Biidaaban youth programs including Biidaaban Youth Group and Biidaaban Academic Support, honouring the successes of participating youth, their families, as well as our partners, tutors, student volunteers and employees.
Niminowaazmin is an Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) word that means "we are celebrating".
Virtual and in person activities to include traditional teachings, cultural and artistic activities, games, and door prizes.
When: 11am - 2pm, March 25th, 2023
Where: TBD
RSVP: Contact Christine Benoit, Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer, at christb@nipissingu.ca.
Partnerships
Biidaaban Academic Support is presented in partnership with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the Near North District School Board, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, and Nbisiing Secondary School at Nipissing First Nation.
Register your child for virtual tutoring (for parent s and guardians)
Please send the below registration form to Christine Benoit, Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer, at christb@nipissingu.ca.
Biidaaban Academic Support Registration Form
For more information, contact Christine Benoit, Biidaaban Community Service-Learning Officer, 705-474-3450 x4586 / christb@nipissingu.ca