Office of Intercultural Affairs

Student Life

Office of Intercultural Affairs

Aboriginal Resource Centre

The Aboriginal Resource Centre provides a warm and caring environment - a home away from home - for all Aboriginal students.  Our programs and services include:

• advising and support
• cultural and traditional workshops
• research support
• bursary and scholarship information
• activities to help with the transition to university life and study

Drop by any time - we look forward to meeting you!

The Centre

The ARC is a welcoming spot with five computers and a printer for student use.  Students can also get a snack from the ASA Student Pantry, or heat up their lunch in our new kitchen. The ARC is located in the Federal Building - in between Axelrod and South Ring Road.

 

Aboriginal Student Advisor

All incoming Aboriginal students should meet with the Aboriginal Student Advisor to discuss courses, academic support and funding. Please call Cara Wehkamp, Acting Advisor at extension 58687 or email her at cwehkamp@uoguelph.ca to make an appointment.

 

Scholarships

A variety of scholarships are available on campus and across Canada for Aboriginal students. An online scholarship guide is available. The Aboriginal Student Advisor can assist in these applications.

 

Programming

Every October, Aboriginal Awareness Week is held and offers many sessions, workshops and events highlighting Aboriginal research, issues and culture.  During College Royal, Aboriginal students host an event highlighting Aboriginal culture. In 2008, a “Métis Kitchen Party” was held, introducing students to Métis song and story. Orientation is held in September for all incoming Aboriginal students.

 

Co-curricular Opportunities

Project Serve Canada 2009

In partnership with Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, 18 students and one staff member from the University of Guelph volunteered within the community. Non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal students participated in the one week service-learning experience during Reading Week. Placements were held at Cape Croker Elementary School, Economic Development, Fisheries, Native Child Welfare, Recreation, Heath Centre, N'shiime Daycare, D'binooshnowin Crisis Centre, Maadookii Seniors Centre, Radio Station and students were billeted in homes with families.  The students learned about the variety of challenges, opportunities, and the social service provision in the community. 

The participants would like to acknowledge their sponsors:

Dreamcatcher Fund

Student Affairs - Special Grants Fund

Student Volunteer Connections

Aboriginal Student Association

Central Student Association

Ontario Public Interest Research Group-Guelph

Student Reflections...

" It is funny how I came here to Nawash to help the community, but I feel like the community members are helping me more than I am helping them."

"The Nawash community is one of simplicity, productivity, love and kindness - treating us with such hospitality, educating us about their issues, and integrating us into their lifestyles for the week - making it feel like that is a life we could and should all lead."

To learn more about previous trips, click here.

 

Native American Students

If you are a member of a Native North American tribe, and you possess a tribal identity card, you are eligible to pay
domestic tuition. The University of Guelph honors
the Jay Treaty of 1794. Please contact Benny Quay for
more information at bquay@uoguelph.ca.

Visit the Aboriginal Canada Portal here.