The Centre for Indigenous Student (CISS) Services strives to create a sense of belonging and to support the academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of a diverse Indigenous student population. We provide a safe community space that offers culturally appropriate support services and programs to facilitate students' success throughout their post-secondary studies.
Recognizing that our Indigenous students are from all corners of Turtle Island, we welcome and encourage all students who self-identify as Indigenous to register with CISS to access our services and programs.
As a member of CISS, you have access to a variety of support services provided below:
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
- Learning Skills and Career supports
- Advice and Referrals
- Writing Instruction
SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
- Elder-On-Campus Program
- Learning Skills and Career supports
- Advice and Referrals
CULTURAL SUPPORT
- Cultural Workshops include beading, moccasin, ribbon skirt, and hand drum making
- Indigenousl Sharing Circle (Mentoring) Program
- Tipi Site
PHYSICAL SUPPORT
- Resource Room and Study Space
- Photocopying, Faxing, and Printing Services
- Access to Computers
- Laptop Lending Program
- Kitchen Facilities
- Skennen’kó:wa Gamig
MEET THE TEAM
Audrey Rochette – Assistant Vice President, Indigenous Initiatives
Audrey Rochette is Assistant Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives at York University, where she leads efforts to advance Indigenous engagement, amplify Indigenous voices, and strengthen reconciliation across the institution.
Anishinaabe from Waabadowgang-Whitesand First Nation and the daughter of a residential school survivor, Audrey has held senior leadership roles at Sheridan College and George Brown College, with a career dedicated to Indigenous education, advocacy, and community building.
Audrey’s work centres on advancing Indigenous scholarship, supporting Indigenous students, staff, and faculty, and promoting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledges and languages throughout university life.
Victoria Francavilla – Indigenous Special Advisor
Victoria is Indigenous Special Advisor in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at York University, where she supports Indigenous engagement and equitable institutional change.
A York alumna currently pursuing an MEd at the University of Toronto (OISE), her work focuses on the indigenization of education and supporting Indigenous students and educators.
With experience across post-secondary, non-profit, and advocacy sectors, Victoria brings a thoughtful, people-centred approach grounded in equity, care, and community.
Holly LaForme – Indigenous Initiatives Manager
Holly brings experience in student services, recruitment, Indigenous governance, child welfare education, and community engagement across post-secondary and public sector environments.
A University of Guelph alumna, she is passionate about supporting student success, fostering inclusive learning environments, and strengthening relationships with students, communities, and institutional partners.
In her role at York University, Holly looks forward to advancing meaningful, student-centred initiatives and collaborative partnerships across the university.
Dayna Towers – Indigenous Student Support Specialist
Dayna is an Anishinaabe Kwe, a member of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. She is a University of Toronto alumna and graduate from the first Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education Program at York University in 2020.
After teaching with the TDSB, she joined the Division of Equity, People and Culture as the Indigenous Initiatives Lead in 2022 and is now the Indigenous Student Support Specialist at the Centre for Indigenous Student Services.
Education, decolonial work, harm reduction and land rights are some of the passions she brings to her role.
Sophia Pettit – Indigenous Student Recruitment Officer
Sophia supports Indigenous student recruitment at York University, where she works to connect prospective Indigenous students with meaningful opportunities, support, and community at York.
A graduate of Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Waterloo, Sophia’s background includes advocacy and community-based work alongside refugees, women experiencing gender-based violence, children and youth, and Indigenous communities, including literacy programming for Inuit children and youth in Inukjuak.
Through reconnecting with her own ancestry and growing up alongside her cousins, she developed a passion for bringing a thoughtful and relationship-centered approach to her work; which includes supporting, advocating for, and welcoming Indigenous students to York.
Brenda Blondeau – Writing Centre Instructor
Brenda is Métis from Saskatchewan and holds degrees in Gender and Women’s Studies from University of Regina and York University. She has supported students at York since 2004 through teaching, writing instruction, and mentorship.
Since 2011, Brenda has provided writing support for Indigenous students through York’s Centre for Indigenous Student Services and has also worked with students in the Writing Centre.
In addition to teaching the Bridging Course for Women in the School of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, she has taught undergraduate courses in Gender Studies and the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics. Her work is informed by a trauma-aware and student-focused approach to learning.
Greg Loft – Traditional Counsellor
Greg Loft is Haudenosaunee and a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte with more than 40 years of experience in counselling, community wellness, and Indigenous healing practices.
Over the course of his career, Greg has worked with Mohawk Family Services, addiction and rehabilitation programs, and restorative justice initiatives supporting Indigenous communities across Canada. He is also known for sharing traditional medicines, cultural teachings, and Indigenous approaches to healing and conflict resolution with organizations both on and off territory. Recognized as a Fire Keeper within his community, Greg brings a compassionate and culturally grounded approach to his work.
Greg visits the Centre once a month and is available virtually on an as-needed basis. To book a session, please contact cissinfo@yorku.ca.
Shanice Perrot – Work-Study Student
Shanice is a Cree woman, artist, student, and community advocate rooted in resilience, cultural reclamation, and creativity. She is passionate about building spaces where Indigenous, marginalized, and racialized people can feel seen, supported, and empowered to exist authentically.
As someone deeply connected to music, punk culture, storytelling, and community organizing, Shanice uses both art and advocacy as tools for healing and resistance. Her work is grounded in values of connection, autonomy, and collective care, with a strong focus on Indigenous youth wellbeing, food sovereignty, belonging, and accessible support systems.
Whether through community work, creative expression, or everyday connection, she aims to leave people feeling understood, inspired, and less alone.
Marissa Weekes-Dane - Work-Study Student
Marissa is a fourth-year Geography student in York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change and a Student Success Mentor Lead with the Centre for Indigenous Student Services. She brings experience in peer mentorship, student leadership, and supporting first-generation students through their transition to university life.
As a Métis student, Marissa is passionate about Indigenous student success and creating welcoming spaces where students feel supported and connected. Her academic interests include decolonial education, Indigenous place-making, and environmental justice. In her role, she looks forward to helping incoming and current Indigenous students build community, access resources, and feel a strong sense of belonging at York.
Sophie Chrisjohn - Keele Student Success Mentor (Work/Study)
Sophie is Haudenosaunee from Oneida Nation of the Thames. She is an undergraduate student at York University pursuing a degree in English. Sophie is passionate about serving the Indigenous community and brings that passion into her role as the Student Success Mentor for the Centre of Indigenous Student Services. She tends to the needs of current and incoming students, while also supporting staff. Her family has a history of working within Indigenous communities, whether that be on-reserve or in urban spaces. Sophie is eager to follow in the footsteps of her relatives to create a safe and welcoming environment for Indigenous students attending York University.
Katie Williams - Markham Student Success Mentor (Work/Study)
Katie is between her third and fourth year of Indigenous Studies with a certificate in Public Administration and Law. She was born and raised in the east end of Toronto. She is English on her dad’s side as well as Anishnaabe from Georgina Island FN on her mom’s side. Katie has been involved in a couple of different student groups while at York in the Indigenous community, environmental advocacy, and now CISS! She's looking forward to meeting everyone around campus, at events and gatherings, both at Keele and Markham. If you ever see her walking around, she’d love it if you said hi so you can learn more about each other. Good luck to everyone with the upcoming school year, and reach out if you have any questions or want to get away from school stress!
Matthew Johns - Glendon Student Success Mentor (Work/Study)
Born of Native and French-Canadian descent, Matthew belongs to the Turtle Clan, part Inuit, part Mohawk, raised in a diaspora, and seeks roots through family. A graduate from Conestoga College's Computer Engineering Technology program, they have worked in private industry, federal public service, and have founded a corporation. They are now a mature transfer student at York University majoring in Financial & Business Economics (FBEC) with an overloaded course timeline. When not in class, Matt represents CISS as the Indigenous Student Success Mentor for the Glendon Campus. They aspire to attend as many events as possible while still succeeding in the world of academia.
Alberta Crysler-Hill - Events and Promotions Assistant (Work/Study)
Alberta is Métis-Cree and European, and her family is from the Michel First Nation in Alberta. She grew up in Vancouver and is currently studying Indigenous Studies at York. This is Alberta’s second year as the Event’s and Promotions assistant at CISS, and she is honoured to have the opportunity to work with, and for, her community. Alberta manages the CISS newsletter and social media, organizes events, and supports the work of other CISS staff. This year, Alberta hopes to create fun and engaging events for CISS students and build further connections across the York Indigenous community. She looks forward to meeting you all if she has not already and is eager to hear what events and opportunities CISS students are interested in!
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CISS Welcome area
