Indigenous Services

St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology is located in Southwestern Ontario, with campuses in Windsor and Chatham-Kent. Currently, there are approximately 270 students of First Nation, Métis & Inuit ancestry enrolled at the college. St. Clair College values each student as a unique leader.

Services

Introduction 
St. Clair College offers Indigenous students a centre and services that provide a culturally based support system. The Student Centre is a place where students are welcome to gather, to study, to access computers and to socialize.

The Windsor Centre is located in Room A1607A while the Chatham Centre is located in Room 111.

Counselling services are available to assist current and prospective students in the areas of individual, academic, personal counselling and social support.

Native programming is available in off-site campuses accredited through St. Clair College. Anishinabek Educational Institute and St. Clair College have entered into a partnership agreement to deliver Aboriginal community-based programs on the Munsee-Delaware First Nation.

Indigenous Counsellor 
The Indigenous Counsellor is available to provide support services through academic, career, and personal counselling for First Nations, Métis & Inuit students at the Windsor (South and St. Clair Centre for the Arts) and Chatham campuses. Stop into the office sometime and see what we can do for you.

Windsor Campus - Room A1607A 
St. Clair College Centre for the Arts 
Chatham Campus - Room 135D

Indigenous Education and Council (IEC) 
St. Clair College has an active IEC that gathers quarterly. These community and college members are advocates and ambassadors of the vibrant and diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis student populations that are represented on campus.

• View/download: AETC Terms of Reference (PDF) - Nov. 26, 2020
• Meeting Minutes - May 18, 2021
• Meeting Minutes - Oct 15, 2021
• Meeting Minutes - Feb 10, 2022
• Meeting Minutes - June 23, 2022
• Meeting Minutes - Dec 2, 2022
• Meeting Minutes - June 15, 2023
• Meeting Minutes - Jan 10, 2024
• Retreat Minutes - Mar 6, 2024

IEC 2024-2025 Committee Membership:

• Jody Noah  (Chair) - Delaware First Nation
• Art Barron (Co-Chair)- Institutional Lead, Campus Operations and Student Services (Chatham)  
• Darlene Marshall - Caldwell First Nation
• Debbie Dolson - Chippewa of the Thames First Nation
• Laura Spero - Aamjiwnaang First Nation
• Donna Grayer - Red River Métis
• Carrie Ann Peters - Caldwell First Nation
• Tina Jacobs – Indigenous Learner Advisor
• Muriel Sampson - Indigenous Counsellor
• Mark Benoit - Chair, Academic Studies
• Lindi Prendi - Executive Director, Centre for Academic Excellence, Quality Assurance and Accountability

Land Acknowledgement

St. Clair College would like to recognize and acknowledge that it sits on the three fires confederacy’s traditional territory of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations. We would also like to acknowledge the many other tribes and indigenous nations that call this beautiful land home.

We give thanks to the land and surrounding Water for sustaining us.

• Download the St. Clair College Land Acknowledgement Guide (PDF)

Indigenous Resources

The Indigenous Resources Library Guide was created to help St. Clair College staff and students who are researching or interested in learning more about Indigenous peoples in Canada. Explore books, databases, videos, and educational links here: https://stclaircollege.libguides.com/IndigenousResources

Programs

Native Community Worker - Traditional Healing Methods 
This program emphasizes traditional healing methods and provides students with the unique opportunity to develop self-awareness and the mental and spiritual healing so often needed by caregivers. An appreciation for native culture and the uniqueness of being a native person are combined with studies to develop specific knowledge and skills in the use of traditional healing methods in the counselling of Native people.

The program utilizes existing courses of study within the General Arts and Science program, as well as some which have been specially tailored for Aboriginal student's learning styles and need to explore their heritage. A special feature of the program is the College's support system for Native students which includes the Aboriginal counselor.

Native Early Childhood Education - Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin 
Graduates will be rewarded by their direct work with young children and their families as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. The opportunity for career advancement, financial and job security are also attractive characteristics in the field of early childhood education

Funding

As an Indigenous student at St. Clair College, you may be eligible for funding to go towards your academic endeavours.

This funding may come in a variety of forms, such as scholarships, bursaries, or awards.

One such award available at St. Clair College is the Métis Nation of Ontario Bursary or the First Generation/Indigenous Student Bursary.

For a further listing of scholarships and awards offered at St. Clair College contact Indigenous Student Services, or go to Financial Aid & Awards.

In addition, some Indigenous communities and organizations may have funding available for students who require financial assistance. Contact your educational branch for more information.