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.
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CISS Welcome area
