St. Thomas University Indigenous Student Brochure

INDIGENOUS STUDENTS PJILA’SI! KULAHSIHKULPA! WELCOME TO ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY The small university of big opportunities

St. Thomas is proud to have Indigenous students represent about 10% of the student population.

The university has a higher percentage of Indigenous students and faculty than provincial and national averages.

St. Thomas offers Indigenous students culturally-rich events, activities, supports and services, including student exchanges, employment, counselling services, an Elder-in-Residence, traditional ceremonies, guest speakers and opportunities to participate in workshops, conferences, traditional gatherings, and more.

APPLY TODAY! STU.ca/apply

Learn about admission requirements and the application process.

Choosing STU For more than 100 years, students from all over the world have chosen St. Thomas to be part of a supportive and close-knit community.

“I chose STU for its great student to professor ratio, the opportunities in the Criminology program, and the deep respect it has for my culture as a First Nation student.”

Bachelor of Arts Choose at least one major, and diversify your education by taking courses from multiple departments that interest you.

Shelley Augustine Elsipogtog First Nation Criminology and Criminal Justice

Native Studies Department

Nearby First Nation Communities

Native Studies offers interesting and challenging courses open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

The Native Language Immersion program seeks to address the decline in Native language fluency.

St. Mary’s First Nation, Kingsclear First Nation, and Oromocto First Nation are three of six Maliseet Nations along the Wolastoq (Saint John) River. St. Mary’s Harold Sappier Elementary School fosters pride in Maliseet language and traditions, providing volunteer opportunities for St. Thomas students.

Post-Degree Programs

Fredericton, New Brunswick

The School of Social Work offers a Mi’kmaq/Maliseet Bachelor of Social Work, and the School of Education offers a Native Education course.

Fredericton is big enough that there’s always something to do, and small enough that you get around easily and safely. Your student ID card doubles as a city transit pass.

Community Programs St. Thomas also offers courses in First Nations communities such as St. Mary’s and Elsipogtog.

Academic Majors

#IChose

STU

Anthropology

History

Catholic Studies

Human Rights

Communications and Public Policy

Interdisciplinary Studies

Criminology and Criminal Justice

MORE STUDENTS CHOOSE STU than any other university in New Brunswick to pursue a Bachelor of Arts

Economics Option to focus in Business

English Language and Literature

International Relations Irish Studies Journalism: Digital Journalism and New Media Mathematics Native Studies

Optional concentrations in Creative Writing and Drama

Philosophy

Environment and Society

Psychology

Fine Arts

Science and Technology Studies

Option to focus in Film, Music, Musical Theatre, and Visual Arts

French Gerontology Great Books

Political Science Religious Studies

Sociology Spanish and Latin American Studies Women’s Studies and Gender Studies

VIU Exchange Opportunity Travel to Vancouver Island University as part of a student and faculty exchange program meant to foster relationships among Indigenous learners.

Indigenous Student Orientation As a first-year Indigenous student, you will be able to move into your residence room a day early. You will also be invited to participate in an orientation event that allows you to meet upper-year students who’ve gone through what you will be going through during your first weeks.

ST. THOMAS WAS THE FIRST UNIVERSITY IN CANADA TO ESTABLISH A CHAIR IN NATIVE STUDIES

Holders have been nationally renowned— Dr. Andrea Bear Nicholas and the Hon. Graydon Nicholas

Wabanaki Student Centre Sir James Dunn Hall, 209 A culturally and spiritually rich environment for academic and personal support, the Wabanaki Student Centre serves as a daily starting point for many Indigenous students at St. Thomas.

Whether it is to have a coffee, finish an assignment, or relax with friends, the centre is a home away from home. The space includes a small kitchenette and is decorated with Indigenous artwork and photos that reflect the history of First Nations in New Brunswick.

Learn More / STU.ca / #IChoseSTU

Indigenous Community Service Entrance Awards Three Indigenous Community Service Entrance Awards are available each year. These are awarded to Indigenous students who’ve been involved in their communities through volunteer or extracurricular activities, or who’ve demonstrated a commitment to the benefit of others.

Apply by sending a letter detailing your eligibility to the Admissions Office (admissions@stu.ca).

Learn more about the many other scholarship opportunities: STU.ca/scholarships

Elder-in-Residence Miigam’agan, from Esgenoôpetitj, NB Miigam’agan provides support to Indigenous students and acts as an important link between the university and First Nation communities.

“My role is to offer support, drawing from our cultural values and working to create a sense of community for First Nation students.”

Contact Miigam’agan by email: miig@stu.ca

Indigenous Student Services Coordinator Trenton Augustine, from Metepenagiag, NB Trenton supports and provides guidance to Indigenous students making the transition to university.

“I want to create a welcoming environment that incorporates and celebrates Indigenous culture, and provides opportunities for students to get to know each other and learn more about their culture. I am excited to help build and create that home away from home for Indigenous students at STU.”

Contact Trenton by email: trentona@stu.ca

Student Counsellor Wendy Matthews Wendy strives to provide a supportive and nurturing experience for students. She brings both Indigenous and western knowledge and experience to her counselling approach.

“I have deep appreciation towards holistic wellness which has encouraged a counselling approach that not only values talk therapy, but also considers the importance of activities and behaviours that nurture the ‘whole’ person.”

Contact Wendy by email: wendym@stu.ca

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