IRIS FEATHERS 1000x 1000x
Indigenous Student Guide 2021-2022
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Territorial Acknowledgement Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is built on unceded Mi’kmaw territory. We pay respect to the aboriginal custodianship of this land and to elders past and present.
Table of contents Message of support..........................................................................1 Kin’masuti aqq Apognamasuti Indigenous Student Centre..........2 Events & initiatives...........................................................................4 The Wikuom at MSVU.......................................................................6 Ways to get involved......................................................................... MSVU’s committment to Indigenous Peoples................................ Research at MSVU with an Indigenous focus................................. Undergraduate courses with an Indigenous focus......................... Finanical supports............................................................................ Community supports........................................................................
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Message of support Oki. I’m Patrick Small Legs-Nagge, Special Advisor to MSVU on Indigenous Affairs – a position that shows MSVU’s commitment to ensuring a strategic focus at the highest level on programs and policy that support Indigenous student learners. I accepted this role because I understand the need for higher learning and am dedicated to supporting you, and other Indigenous students, throughout your educational journey. Learning will continue throughout your life, as it has for me. I started my post-secondary education in the 1980s, obtaining a diploma in social work. Why did I choose social work? It was the injustices that I saw happening to Indigenous people across this country that made me want to create positive social change within Indigenous communities. Social work was one way to challenge structural and systemic norms. I went on to complete undergrad and graduate studies in social work, specializing in community development. I accepted a position within the government, and quickly learned I would need further education to enter senior administrative positions. So, I obtained a diploma in management and became proficient in French. This journey showed me just how important education is, and that there is always an opportunity for further learning. As a First Nation student over the years, I saw little in the way of Indigenous supports on university and college campuses. Today, institutions like MSVU understand the need to be inclusive. I encourage you to use the many resources available at the University, including the Kin’masuti aqq Apognamasuti (Learning and Help) Indigenous Student Centre (ISC). Whether it be through counselling and/or academic support, assistance with housing needs, or simply just being there to listen, the ISC is a welcoming environment with friendly, helpful and supportive staff. Patrick Small Legs-Nagge, MSW Special Advisor to MSVU on Indigenous Affairs As Special Advisor to MSVU on Indigenous Affairs, Patrick provides leadership to MSVU in meeting the University’s commitment to reconciliation. Patrick also helps provide strategic direction on Indigenous affairs and develops initiatives, programs and policies that respond to the needs of students, the Indigenous community, and the institution.
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The Indigenous Student Centre and Indigenous Garden
Performance at a Mi’kmaw Mid-Winter Feast
ASC study space
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Kin’masuti aqq Apognamasuti The Mount’s Aboriginal Indigenous Student Centre
Student Centre
PJILA’ SI (WELCOME) TO YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Located in a cozy house on Melody Drive (lower level - access off of College Road), the Kin’masuti aqq Apognamasuti (Learning and Help) Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) supports students in an educational year, than 60,000 university fromstrategy all over the world callto Halifax home. and culturally engagingEvery space on more the MSVU campus. As partstudents of a larger dedicated creating a So all the fussstudents about? attending the University, the ISC is a non-judgemental welcoming environmentwhat’s for Indigenous space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can gather, collaborate, andYou’ll engage dialogue Just a few minutes from our campus, you’ll find downtown Halifax. also in find it in a around contemporary Indigenous dictionary – issues. right next to the word “thriving.” If you’ve never been to Halifax, you’re in for a pretty great surprise.
SERVICES: The ISC offers academic advising, counselling, referrals, cultural and traditional activities, social You can be trying on clothes at a fashion-forward boutique one minute, and the next be sitting at support, and so much more.
a waterfront café watching ships sail by. Our theatre, music and arts communities are practically
with life each night, with everything from big-budget musicals to up-and-coming indie STAFF: At the ISC, you’llpulsing find the Special Advisor to MSVU on Indigenous Affairs and the Indigenous Student bands international stars. Advisor (learn more about thisand role on page 18). They’re here to support you throughout your MSVU journey.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AT THE ASC? At the ISC you’ll find: computer stations; access to Wi-Fi; a group study area with a large table to seat up to 12 people; a lounge with comfortable seating; a large-screen TV; printing and faxing services; and a growing collection of Indigenous-based resource materials – many of which are available for loan. The ISC also hosts a number of events (more information on page 4). INDIGENOUS GARDEN: Students, faculty and staff are welcome to tend to the ISC garden that is filled with tobacco, sage, sunflowers, kale, and perennials. The ASC also dries the plants, particularly tobacco, to be used for smudging.
The Indigenous Student Centre is supported by TD Bank Group. Learn more at msvu.ca/ISC
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Indigenous Student Centre events & initiatives The Indigenous Student Centre hosts a range of events throughout the year, including: INDIGENOUS STUDENT CENTRE OPEN HOUSE AND ORIENTATION Held every fall, this special open house gives Indigenous students the chance to visit the ISC, meet our Indigenous Student Advisor, connect with other students and find out all that MSVU has to offer. TREATY DAY CELEBRATION & MI’KMAW HISTORY MONTH Treaty Day is held annually on October 1 and marks the beginning of Mi’kmaw History Month in Nova Scotia. The ISC hosts special events on campus to mark the occasion. MI’KMAW MID-WINTER FEAST The Mi’kmaw Mid-Winter Feast at MSVU is a celebration of the ancient Mi’kmaw Feast that was traditionally celebrated shortly after the first new moon of Punamuiku’s (January). Mid-winter was the end of the year and the start of the new ceremonial year for the ancient Mi’kmaq. The purpose of the Mid-Winter Feast was the presentation of thanksgiving to all the spiritual forces, especially to the Great spirit, for the blessings of life, health, and sustenance and the privileges of social life.” (source: Potlotek First Nation) MINI MOUNT CAMPS These camps allow Aboriginal youth (aged 14-17) from First Nation communities across Atlantic Canada the opportunity to get a sense of what university life is really like. CULTURAL WORKSHOPS Workshops cover a range of topics, including: drum building, talking stick making, languages, medicinal plants, journaling, and more.
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MSVU Treaty Day Celebration at the Wikuom
MSVU Mi’kmaw Mid-Winter Feast
Drumming at the ASC
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The Wikuom at MSVU MSVU was the first Nova Scotia university to add a Wikuom to its campus facilities. First raised on June 12, 2017, the Wikuom is a welcoming traditional Mi’kmaw space where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can gather and learn together. The Wikuom is located at the corner of Seton and College Roads. Contact the ISC to book the Wikuom.
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Ways to get involved MSVU INDIGENOUS COLLECTIVE The purpose of the Indigenous Collective is to create a space for students who identify as Indigenous to gather, plan and support each other. INDIGENOUS STUDENTS REP The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is the highest governing body of the Students’ Union, and acts as a Board of Directors. The Indigenous Students Rep ensures that the voices of Indigenous students are heard in any Students’ Union decision-making. VARIOUS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Student Works programs and volunteer opportunities have provided several Indigenous students with valuable workplace experience. MOUNT MENTORS Mount Mentors are a group of students who help students who are new to the University navigate their transition to MSVU.
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MSVU has given me so many opportunities. I played on the MSVU Mystics Women’s Basketball team, volunteered at the Indigenous Student Centre, and was part of the Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI). The university community has supported me every step of the way.
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Brandi Mills Bachelor of Science (Biology), MSVU Class of 2019
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MSVU’s committment to Indigenous Peoples MSVU has taken steps to change our university but recognize that more needs to be done. We will build upon efforts already undertaken, and with the valued advice of Indigenous community Elders and leaders as our guide. In particular, we are deeply grateful for the continued leadership of the L’nu Advisory Circle at MSVU, a collective of Indigenous and non-Indigenous community, student, faculty and staff representatives dedicated to advancing work in support of Indigenous learners and communities. We will emphasize listening and learning, followed by enduring action. Specifically: • We will continue to Indigenize course content within all Faculties at the Mount. • We will work to ensure that students in all programs at the Mount learn about the harmful effects of racism and about the tragic history of the residential schools in Canada. • We will consult with Mi’kmaq communities with regard to offering academic programs in their communities. • We will expand financial supports for Indigenous students at the Mount • We will promote the services of our Indigenous Student Centre, including its provision of residence space for female Indigenous students. • We will host a ceremonial Healing Circle with L’nu members from the Advisory Circle to meet with the Board of Governors and the Senate to hear from First Voices their concerns about what is happening regionally and nationally in Canada. • We will ask the Board of Governors and Senate to consider their roles and responsibilities in reconciliation, including the representation of the Mi’kmaq community within University governance bodies. • We will reinstate our Elder in Residence program, creating ways for Elders to be a more vital part of our campus community and ensuring that these Elders’ contributions and needs are respected.
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• We will build upon recent changes in our policies that recognize the value of Indigenous knowledge and research in faculty renewal, promotion, and tenure decisions and that recognize diverse credentials for hiring Indigenous faculty. • We will work to engage the campus as a whole in honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Day, Mi’kmaq History Month, and other days and events that reflect Mi’kmaq history and culture. • We will host public forums to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together to discuss our country’s history of racist practices; the persistence of harms into the present day; and ways we can work together to heal the damage that has been done. • We will seek collaboration with all HRM universities, creating opportunities for Indigenous faculty and staff to share initiatives and work together. We will also continue the commitments made in our strategic plan 2021-2028, “Strength through Community”: • Ensure that MSVU’s policies, practices and procedures are aligned with the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. • Actively recruit and retain Indigenous faculty, staff and students and provide a welcoming, supportive and safe campus environment for Indigenous peoples. • Be a national leader in providing education and awareness about Truth and Reconciliation, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, 2SLGBTQIA+, and about the issues and root causes of the violence they experience.
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Through my involvement with the L’nu Advisory Circle at MSVU, I know that the university is working hard to meet the needs of Indigenous students. My advice to any Indigenous person considering a post-secondary education is to discuss your educational goals with an Indigenous student currently attending university or college. This will give you a sense of what to expect. If you’re interested in attending MSVU, reach out to a current Indigenous student and ask questions about the learning environment, what they’ve found challenging and what they’ve found helpful, from an Indigenous student perspective.
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Spencer Wilmot Member of the L’nu Advisory Circle at MSVU
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Undergraduate courses with an Indigenous focus EDUC 5212 | INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES AND CURRICULUM A study of how Indigenous knowledges relate to the school curriculum. The course will focus on antiracist and anticolonial teaching and concepts from Indigenous knowledges that can inform pedagogy and curriculum. A key component will be the creation of curriculum that can be used in the classroom. CHYS 4416 | CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE Prerequisites: completion of 10.0 units of university credit including CHYS 1110 An examination of issues of culture and race in childhood and adolescence. Attention is focused on the multicultural nature of modern society and the on-going struggle towards the corresponding values of inclusion and anti-racism in practice, research and social policy. WOMS 4406/BUSI 4406 | MANAGING DIVERSITY: GENDER AND OTHER ISSUES Prerequisite: at least 10.0 units of university-level courses A seminar course that examines issues faced by women and minority groups in the work place. Topics include discrimination based on gender and other factors, a comparison of men and women in organizations, legal implications of discrimination and managing diversity. Note: Students who have received credit for BUSI 4407 may not take this course for credit. HIST 1121 | CANOES AND COLONIALISM: A HISTORY OF CANADA TO CONFEDERATION An introduction to the history of Canada from the pre-contact period until Canadian Confederation in 1867. Special emphasis will be placed upon political, economic, and social factors which have contributed to the growth of the Canadian nation and a national identity. Note: Students who have received credit for HIST 1120 may not take this course for credit. HIST 1122 | CONSOLIDATION AND CONFLICT: A HISTORY OF CANADA FROM CONFEDERATION An introduction to the history of Canada from the Canadian Confederation in 1867 to the present day. Special emphasis will be placed upon political, economic, and social factors which have contributed to the growth of the Canadian nation and a national identity. Continued on page 13.
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Governor General of Canada Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, the first Indigenous person appointed to the role of Governor General (sworn in on July 26, 2021), received an honorary degree from MSVU in 2013. Ms. Simon, who is from Nunavik in Northern Québec, has long been an advocate for Canadian Inuit and Indigenous peoples. In her address to graduates, she encouraged grads to create positive change in the world. “The values of integrity, honesty, determination, and working through adversity served me well.”
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HIST 2210 | NORTH AMERICAN ABORIGINAL HISTORY A survey of North American Aboriginal history from the pre-encounter era to the twentieth century. Key themes include: Aboriginal roles in colonial wars, state policies of assimilation, including Indian Residential Schooling, and Aboriginal resistance. HIST 2222 | CANADIAN WOMEN IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE An examination of the participation and contribution of women in Canadian history from the sixteenth century to the modern feminist movement. Topics may include earlier forms of sexual stereotyping, famous Canadian women, women at work in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and Nova Scotian women. HIST 2225 |CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY An introduction to Canadian environmental history. This course surveys the evolving relationship between Canadians and the environment from the time of pre-encounter until the present day. It investigates the ways in which we have shaped our environment and the ways in which our environment has affected our history. HIST 3320 | SELECTED TOPICS IN NORTH AMERICAN HISTORY A combined lecture-seminar course on a selected topic in North-American history. The course will focus on the history of First Nations of Atlantic Canada. HIST 3323 | HISTORY OF INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADA A survey of the historical experiences of Indigenous women in Canada from the pre-encounter era to the twenty-first century. The course explores how the public and private lives of Indigenous women were shaped by colonial policies and how Indigenous women resisted such policies. CANA 1101/POLS 1101 | CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON CANADIAN SOCIETY An introduction to the history, economy, geography, politics, culture and demographics of Canada. This interdisciplinary course examines the ongoing process of constructing the Canadian nation from Canada’s past to the contemporary period, and from the local to the global context. SOAN 3651 | INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN A SETTLER STATE: CANADIAN CONTEXT Critical examination of Indigenous Peoples’ experiences of European imperialism and colonization in the Canadian context. This course focuses on issues arising from colonization such as genocide, ethnocide, and the territorial displacement of Indigenous Peoples and their effects on indigenous Peoples’ lifeways and their struggles for resurgence and self-determination. Continued on page 14.
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Undergraduate courses with an Indigenous focus (continued) SOAN 3652: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN A SETTLER STATE: ATLANTIC CANADA An exploration of Indigenous Peoples’ experiences with imperialism and colonization in Atlantic Canada. Focal areas include imposition of the settler state on Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous cultures and ongoing struggles for self-determination. The impact of court decisions on issues like treaty implementation and resource use will also be discussed. ENGL 3305: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE The study of a particular topic in literature for children and/or adolescents, with an exclusive focus on Indigenous children’s literature. CULS 1101: AN INTRODUCTION An introduction to the critical study of modern culture. Topics include visual art, film, music, and literature as well as television and other popular media. The course will include material on Louis Riel, as well as Gord Downie’s recent book and album, Secret Path, based on the story of Chaney Wenjak. EDUC 5602: SPECIAL TOPICS: INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND THE CURRICULUM An exploration of how Indigenous knowledge can be integrated into the school curriculum. The course will focus on story work, telling stories through film and electronic means, and curriculum resources for the classroom.
ABORIGINAL ACADEMIC ACCESS POST-SECONDARY (AAAPS) PROGRAM
The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and MSVU partnered to create a new university access pilot program designed to support Aboriginal students in achieving their education and career goals. Made possible by funding from the Province of Nova Scotia, the program brings university courses and academic supports to students at the Friendship Centre to provide a solid foundation before students transition to their chosen university programs. During the program, students have the opportunity to explore and expand their academic interests and abilities. Learn more at mymnfc.com
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I’m proud of what I accomplished at MSVU – I graduated with two degrees (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education) at the top of my class and on the Dean’s List. I have taught a cultural preschool program called “Aboriginal Head Start” and hope to use my degree to its fullest potential. I want to give back to the Indigenous community, while assisting to close the gap that exists between education and the Indigenous population. Wela’lioq, Msit No’Kmaq (thank you all, all my relations).
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Brittany Sue Pennell Bachelor of Arts, MSVU Class of 2007 and Bachelor of Education, MSVU Class of 2010 Please note: These courses are subject to change. The most up-to-date information can be found in the MSVU Academic Calendar.
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Finanical supports ABORIGINAL STUDENT BURSARY
Established by the Sisters of Charity – Halifax, the Aboriginal Student Bursary is awarded annually to an Aboriginal student. Preference will be given to a woman returning to studies as a mature student.
TD ABORIGINAL STUDENT BURSARIES
Established by the TD Bank Group to provide the opportunity for Aboriginal learners to pursue post-secondary studies, the TD Aboriginal Student Bursaries are awarded annually to Aboriginal students with demonstrated financial need enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at MSVU.
LILY ON-PING WONG CHAN BURSARY
Established by Lily On-Ping Wong Chan, a Mount alum, as a bursary to be awarded annually to a female third or fourth year International or Aboriginal student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. Preference will be given to a student majoring in Sociology or combined major in Gerontology who will pursue a career in social work or teaching. The recipient must demonstrate good academic standing and financial need.
BERNICE JACOBSON CHATT ENDOWED MEMORIAL BURSARY
Established by friends and family in memory of the late Bernice Jacobson Chatt (1947-1987), a Mount alum, the bursary is awarded annually to a mature woman student who has successfully completed three credits, with a preference given to those students who belong to a visible minority and/or are physically challenged.
HOW TO APPLY
These bursaries are awarded through the University’s In-Course Bursary program. Applications are available during the month of October and the deadline to apply is the first Monday in November. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office: Evaristus Hall, Room 207 | Phone: (902) 457-6351 |Toll Free: 1-877-733-6788 Email: financial.aid@msvu.ca MSVU offers a robust scholarship and bursary program. For more information, visit msvu.ca/scholarships
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When I arrived on campus in 2010, I saw a willingness and openness on behalf of the University to listen and take action. I believe MSVU has since made significant strides in improving the experience of Indigenous students. During my time at MSVU, I was able to explore the extent of my capacities in academic, cultural and professional areas, which was instrumental in laying the foundation for me to pursue my doctoral studies at McGill University. MSVU was a great support throughout this process.
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John R. Sylliboy Master of Education (Educational Foundations), MSVU Class of 2018
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Indigenous Student Advisor at MSVU Alyssa McIntyre is a current Applied Human Nutrition student at MSVU, and is also the Indigenous Student Advisor at the University. In this role, Alyssa works closely with the Special Advisor to MSVU on Indigenous Affairs to oversee the day-to-day operation of the Indigenous Student Centre, including planning ISC events and initiatives; providing support to the Aboriginal Academic Access to Post-Secondary (AAAPS) program; managing wikuom bookings; connecting the MSVU community with Elders; and supporting and advocating for Indigenous students. Alyssa also liaises with Indigenous Student Advisors at other Atlantic Canadian universities, Education Directors from First Nation communities, and organizations such as Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK), Nova Scotia Native Council, Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association (NSNWA), Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM).
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Community supports THE MI’KMAW NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE
The mission of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is to provide structured, social-based programming for Urban Aboriginal People while serving as a focal point for the urban Aboriginal community to gather for a variety of community functions and events. mymnfc.com
MI’KMAW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
This non-profit resource centre consists of an Aboriginal Head Start Program, a Community Action Program for Children, a provincial child development initiative, and a provincially funded daycare centre. The three complementary resource centre initiatives host a wide variety of programs for children (aged 0- 7) and their families. The mandate of the Centre is to provide quality culturally appropriate programs/resources for First Nation individuals and their families who are residing off-reserve. mymnfc.com
TAWAAK HOUSING ASSOCIATION
This private, non-profit housing corporation owns, operates and delivers socially-assisted rental housing in Nova Scotia. The mandate of the housing corporation is to provide suitable, adequate and affordable housing to Aboriginal peoples of low to moderate income who reside in urban areas of the province, who cannot attain housing through the regular housing market. tawaakhousing.org
ATLANTIC POLICY CONGRESS
The Atlantic Policy Congress is an advocate for speaking with one voice on behalf of First Nations communities. Through research and analysis, they develop and table policy alternatives for matters affecting First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Maine, USA. apcfnc.ca
INDSPIRE
Indspire is a national Indigenous-led registered charity that invests in the education of Indigenous people. You can view the various bursaries, scholarships, and awards at indspire.ca.
Questions? We’re here to help. Kin’masuti aqq Apognamasuti Indigenous Student Centre Alyssa.McIntyre@msvu.ca | msvu.ca/ISC | 1-902-457-6228
Book a tour of campus tours@msvu.ca | msvu.ca/bookatour | 1-902-457-6651
As part of MSVUs commitment to sustainability, this guide has been printed on FSC® certified paper. The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council® ) logo is your guarantee that the paper products used come from healthy forests and strong communities. Visit msvu.ca/sustainability to learn more.
