4 people in traditional Indigenous clothing facing the pow wow celebration outdoor

Aanii! Boozhoo! Sago! Wachay! Welcome!

Academic & Personal Support

Financial Support

Student life

A male student in navy hoodie and a female student in traditional indigenous clothing walking through the hallway
Office of Indigenous logo in black, green and yellow on a transparent background

Accessing Support through the Office of Indigenous Initiatives

The Student Success Coordinator advises new and returning Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) students and enhances their educational experience through a holistic approach to support.

The Student Success Coordinator guides Indigenous students by helping them to recognize their strengths, identify their needs and seek the necessary supports to ensure success while pursuing their chosen path at Nipissing University.

Indigenous Student Success aims to provide equal access to post secondary education for Indigenous students through recruitment initiatives, transition planning and retention strategies.

We’re here to help! Contact Office of Indigenous Initiatives

705-474-3450 ext. 4200

Spaces

Whether you’re joining us from a nearby community or from across the country, your time at Nipissing will be meaningful and memorable. With strong ties to Indigenous culture and a welcoming campus community, this is a place to grow, learn, and feel at home.

2 male Indigenous students looking at a book while a female student is doing something on their left in the Indigenous office

Enji giigdoyang Student Lounge (F215)

Come use the space to study, have lunch, grab a snack or engage in social, cultural and academic activities and workshops. 

See Location on Map
2 male students in green and blue hoodie performing an indigenous act in the sacred space

Sacred Space (F215-G)

Students are welcome to use this quiet space to meet with staff and visiting Elder or to smudge.  

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The Treaty Learning Centre (L334)

The Treaty Learning Centre is a shared space that is managed collaboratively by Enji giigdgoyang, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at Nipissing University and the First Peoples Centre at Canadore College. 

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The tipi outside the library standing around it

Tipi (s)

There are two tipis on campus, the courtyard tipi and the tipi by the library. The courtyard tipi seats 6-8 people and the tipi by the library seats 20-25 people

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Discover Indigenous Admission Pathways

Indigenous Admission Pathways offers support programs to students with Indigenous ancestry. This includes extra support for those who do not meet regular criteria for High School Students in Canada, Domestic Mature Students or College/University Transfer Students.

Have a questions about these programs?

Contact [email protected] or call (705) 474-3450 ext. 4463.

For admission requirements and application instructions, please visit each program page.

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Indigenous Foundations Program

The Indigenous Foundations Program is a full-time university transition program for Indigenous students pursuing an undergraduate degree.

See Program
A group of students standing in a circle holding a rope outside

The Summer Indigenous Institute is a transition program for Indigenous students entering their first year of studies at Nipissing University, Algoma University, Lakehead University or Laurentian University.

Indigenous Summer Education Programs

The Schulich School of Education offers professional programs for individuals pursuing a career in an educational setting. Our teacher education programs lead to either to a Bachelor of Education Degree or a Diploma in Education, in addition to our graduates earning a Certificate of Qualification and Registration with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

Our programs combine online learning with summer residencies, providing students with the opportunity to pursue their educational goals with minimal interruptions to their family and employment responsibilities. Students attending our programs in the summer are invited to bring their families with them into residence where children have access to daily and weekly organized activities.

Have a questions about these programs?

Contact [email protected] or call (705) 474-3450 ext. 4463.

For admission requirements and application instructions, please visit each program page.

4 students sitting on a bench outside of the student centre

Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma

The Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma Program prepares students to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners through culturally relevant education, hands-on practicum experience, and skills for success in elementary classrooms.

See Program
2 students building something out of tree branches outside on the grass

The Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language Program prepares fluent Indigenous language speakers to become certified teachers, combining language preservation, traditional teachings, and modern instructional strategies for K–12 classrooms.

See Program
A group of students studying on a white table in the student centre

The Indigenous Teacher Education Program prepares Indigenous students to become certified elementary teachers, blending professional teaching qualifications with Indigenous knowledge, culture, and traditions.

See Program

Bring the Whole Family Along

Students enrolled in the summer programs are welcome to bring their families along with them into residence. Children of students in this program are invited to participate in the various week-long summer camps that Nipissing University hosts, free of charge.

For details on how to register your children in these camps, please email [email protected]

Proof of Indigenous Ancestry

Some of the programs above are open to those who have Indigenous ancestry.

As part of the admission requirements, you may be asked to submit proof of your ancestry.  If requested, please provide one of:

  • Copy of Status or Treaty card issued by Indigenous Services Canada
  • Copy of Nunavut Trust certificate card, roll number, Inuit Enrollment card (issued by any one of the four Inuit modern treaty bodies—Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Nunavik or Inuvialuit) or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities
  • Copy of citizenship card in a Metis registry recognized by the Metis National Council (i.e., Métis Nation of Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Alberta/Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the Métis Nation British Columbia)
  • Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, or on the band list of an individual band, or on the Inuit roll
  • Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous Services Canada
  • Written confirmation of membership in a band council that has its own membership code
  • Other acceptable documentation

If you have any questions about your documentation, please email [email protected].

4 people in traditional Indigenous clothing facing the pow wow celebration outdoor

Get Started on Your Application

Apply to Nipissing

Explore the application process and prepare to take the next step.

Apply to an Undergraduate Program
Apply to a Graduate Program

Check Admission Requirements

Identify your student type and follow the path designed for you.

Find Admission Requirements

Resources & Volunteer Opportunities

Programs for Indigenous Children

We offer experiences for Indigenous children, on campus and in community, including mentorship programs, tutoring programs and youth gatherings. Be a Mentor for these Programs