ISSC consists of a Special Advisor for Indigenous student success and an Coordinators of Indigenous Student Success Services. We also have a dedicated space on campus that is available every day to relax, connect, meet, do homework, etc.
Vicky Boldo (she/her)
Cree-Métis | Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Intercultural Relations
The Director of Indigenous Initiatives provides vision, leadership and relational guidance to advance Bishop’s University’s commitments to decolonization, reconciliation and the amplification of Indigenous voices and knowledges. Grounded in Indigenous principles of reciprocity, respect, relational accountability and responsibility, the Director works collaboratively with Indigenous students, staff, faculty, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners to co-create pathways for Indigenous self-determination within Bishop’s University’s structures.
I am Cree-Metis 60’s adoptee, writer, research advisor, cultural facilitator and a registered energy medicine practitioner. I am also a daughter, sister, auntie and proud mother of four and grandmother of 11. The 28+ years healing journey that I am on gives me the passion and focus to give back to the community and to use my voice and drum song for those that are still muted by colonial oppression.
Shawna Chatterton-Jerome (she/her)
Mi’kmaq, Gesgapegiag | Coordinator of Indigenous Student Success Services
Shawna’s primary role is to provide guidance, support and assistance to new and returning Indigenous students to help with their transition to university life. Her main goal is to foster a welcoming environment for students and encourage community-building. She represents the Indigenous Student Success Centre at multiple university meetings and collaborates in the planning and coordination of programs and special activities. She is also a member of the Indigenous Post-Secondary Education Network, a collective who work together to strengthen pathways and support Indigenous learners in accessing and succeeding in higher education.
I am Mi’kmaq from Gesgapegiag and recent Bishop’s alumna. I graduated in 2021 with a Major in Sociology and a concentration in Criminology. I was co-lead of the Indigenous Cultural Alliance club on campus and the Turtle Island Intern for 2 years. I have a lot of leadership skills and have been on multiple committees during my time as a student at B.U.
Brayden Hottot (he/him)
Ojibwe, Whitesand First Nation | Coordinator of Indigenous Student Success Services
Brayden studied at Champlain College, where he developed an interest in working with people and earned a DEC in Special Care Counselling. After graduation, he began his career supporting older adults before joining Student Affairs at Bishop’s, where he quickly found a passion working with young people as a Residence Life Coordinator. He later brought this experience to his work with the Indigenous student population. In this role, he supports incoming and returning Indigenous students as they navigate the transition to university and find their place in student life.
Our gathering space
The Indigenous Student Success Center (ISSC) is located in Centennial room 109. This is a space which has been dedicated since 2019 as a gathering space and a home away from home for Indigenous students to find a sense of community on campus. It includes a couch and tv if you need to relax, a table if you want to do some homework, crafts, etc., we also have craft and beading supplies if needed, a fridge if you need to keep your lunch cool, microwave, resources and hygiene products, snacks and food, and overall good company and friendships that await you.