Indigenous Student Success Centre
Land Acknowledgment
Nestled between the Alsigtegw (Saint-François River) and surrounding farmland on ancestral Ndakina territory (Eastern Townships), of the W8banaki just outside of Kchi nikitawtegw (Sherbrooke), Quebec, is the land we are fortunate enough to be learning, working, playing, and growing together on. These lands in which Bishop’s University is located on is the Traditional and Unceded territory of the W8banaki Nation.
ISSC
The Indigenous Student Success Centre (ISSC) was created to provide a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. Our team provides academic support and cultural programming, allowing students to participate in culturally relevant practices, events and workshops while succeeding academically. We are here for you, to mentor, advocate and support you in your post-secondary journey.
Awareness Events on Campus
ISSC and the ICA plan awareness campaigns on campus and in the community. We also collaborate with other institutions in the region to create deeper connections. From a National Week of Truth and Reconciliation to the Moose Hide Campaign, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and represent these causes.
Indigenous Study Opportunities
Bishop’s offers an Indigenous Studies Minor which allows students to explore the world from the perspective of the Indigenous peoples of various countries and continents and from within various disciplines. Abenaki Language and Culture courses are also available.
Indigenous Research and Advancement Groups at B.U.
Indigenous students at Bishop’s, ISSC and the ICA are privileged to have access to people and groups on campus that support and advance knowledge on Indigenous issues. They can be a resource in planning or coordinating events and other forms of knowledge transfer.
Indigenous Cultural Alliance
The ICA is a student-led club whose overall goal is to bring awareness of the Indigenous community on campus and to create a safe space for learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The ICA functions as a network & platform to facilitate culture and knowledge sharing at B.U. and Champlain College.
Kwigw8mna
Kwigw8mna, formerly known as Divinity House from 1892-2014, will become the new Indigenous Student Success and Resource Centre.
Convocation and Graduates
Indigenous students graduating from B.U. receive a specially designed stole at convocation, representing life and the people, the islands in the river fork and the life force of water, the prestigious pine trees around campus standing tall and full of pride and the deer that often visit and gently stride across the green spaces.
Turtle Island Internship
The Turtle Island Internship program was created to give students an opportunity to share and celebrate different Indigenous cultures and traditions with the B.U. community. It is an opportunity for Indigenous students to share cultural knowledge, develop leadership, self-confidence, and organizational skills, and enhance your personal ‘gifts’ within a supportive environment.
International Travel Opportunities
Bishop’s University is proud to have been selected to take part in the national Global Skills Opportunity. This program is designed to prioritize Indigenous students with two innovative projects which include travel to Japan and Belize which are fully funded.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are many scholarship and aid opportunities available to support your post-secondary goals. ISSC can also support you with your applications, so make sure to contact us if you need help. Here we provide an exhaustive list of opportunities for you to consider.
Partnerships
ISSC is proud to be collaborating with other institutions and Indigenous led groups in the region to bring awareness to important events, celebrate culture, and benefit from each other’s shared knowledge and experience.