Indigenous Sharing Circle (ISC)
The Indigenous sharing circle is a peer mentor program, where students pair up with one another to have a support person. ISC puts together different outings which students can attend as a group. In the past there have been skating trips, Rinx, Screamers, attending other events within the community such as socials and imagineNATIVE.
CISS hires one work-study to help coordinate this program.
The Indigenous Sharing Circle (ISC) program aims to assist Indigenous students attending York University throughout their transition from secondary to post secondary education as well as to provide a sense of community inclusiveness and access to academic and community resources. The ISC program strives to address the multifaceted nature of Indigenous communities the transition from a secondary institutional environment to post secondary environment can be difficult for some Indigenous learners many students may experience cultural shock coming from a small isolated First Nations communities and entering a large urban centre for the first time.
This transition will be alleviated by:
- Introducing students to the York Indigenous community
- Assisting students on peer-to-peer level providing guidance advice and moral support
- Providing information on resources both on and off campus
Cultural Programing
An Important element in addressing the cultural needs of Indigenous learners is to provide special events and cultural programming aimed at assisting them and learning more about their cultural heritage to support the revitalization of Indigenous cultures and identities many students are exploring their Indigenous roots for the first time and are keen on learning about their heritage identity or knowing who you are is vital and nurturing one's personal growth and maintaining a healthy outlook on life and creating an all important balance.
CISS provides Indigenous York students a variety of culturally related workshops, such as; beading, moccasin making, hand drum making, ribbon skirt making and others. These workshops change from year to year.
Events & Activities
Orientation
CISS hosts an annual orientation for new incoming Indigenous students to York University. In this orientation students get to meet CISS staff, other new incoming Indigenous students, have a tour of the popular buildings students may need to access throughout their University studies, visit both the CASS space at York Lanes as well as our sister space Skennen’kó:wa Gamig.
Welcome Social
This event happens in September to welcome both returning & new students, staff and faculty. This is a time for us to all meet, share some food and socialize with each other.
Holiday Festive Feast
At the end of the Fall term CISS has a holiday festive feast. This event brings us all together before the holiday to celebrate the end of term with good company, food and games.
Graduation Celebration
It has been what feels like a long journey but, you did it, you completed your undergraduate, Master, or your PhD degree, Congratulations. It's time to celebrate all that you have accomplished with your friends and family before you continue to the next part of your journey.
