Indigenous initiatives
At Georgian, Indigenous student academic achievement is a priority. Discover Georgian’s wide selection of programs, including our three Indigenous Studies programs. Explore our Indigenization goals, Land Acknowledgment and Indigenous Services.
On this page:
Building relationships. Creating change.
For 25 years, Georgian has offered programs and services that blend contemporary and traditional ways of knowledge that recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.
Georgian celebrates and honours Indigenous cultures and histories, and values the knowledge and wisdom that Indigenous peoples bring to our college community.
We strive to create inclusive spaces where Indigenous students, staff and alumni feel safe, proud and empowered.
Georgian College is committed to building reciprocal relationships with, and being accountable to, Indigenous communities through education, training and applied research.
Land acknowledgment
Georgian College acknowledges that all campuses are situated on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. The Anishnaabeg include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Georgian College is dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Metis and Inuit people.
Watch the video to learn about the origins of this acknowledgement.
Indigenous Studies
Our programs include a blend of contemporary and traditional teaching methods, with Indigenous cultural values and perspectives embedded in the curriculum.
Our goal is to provide our students with exceptional learning experiences that enhance all areas of their life – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Indigenous Services
Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centres are located at Georgian’s Barrie, Midland, Orillia and Owen Sound campuses.
The resource centres provide students with a culturally supportive and comfortable environment where they can study, socialize, and access a wide range of resources including:
- Getsid (Indigenous student counsellor)
- Visiting Elders program
- Niwijiagan (peer mentor support)
- Community liaison officer
- Indigenous student advisors
Indigenization initiatives at Georgian
Indigenization refers to the infusion of Indigenous ideas, values, peoples, symbols, esthetics, procedures and an authentic history into an organization so that it is a product of Indigenous imaginations and aspirations.
Georgian College has made Indigenization a priority and aims to enrich our college community with as much Indigenous culture and knowledge as possible.
Omaa gabe-gikinoo’amaadiiwigamigong gaa-bi-nisidotamaan nawaj indinwewin. Mii-go gekinoo’amaagejig maagwechiwenimagig ji-ani-anishinaabemoyaambaan geniin. Wiinge aapiji oga-nitaa-wiidookawaawaan awegwen-go niigaan waa-pi-gikendaminijin indanishinaabemowininaan.
My time here at Georgian helped me to better understand my language. I am so thankful for the teachers who helped me to be able to speak my language. Those teachers will be fantastic at helping future students to speak our wonderful language.—Kevin Ritchie, Teacher at Waadookodaading Ojibwe Immersion School
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Of course! Indigenous Studies programs and courses are for everyone. Over the years, we have always had a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in our programs. Professors, staff and students ensure that our classrooms provide respectful environments for learning and sharing.
Programs and activities are open to everyone regardless of their program. Counselling service from our Indigenous education counsellor are open to all Indigenous students and all Indigenous Studies students registered in Georgian programming.
Georgian’s Indigenous Community Liaison Officer, Alicia Thompson, can help you explore program options, apply to Georgian College, explore financing your education and more. Call 249.388.2467 or connect with Alicia by email.
The form is electronic and can be filled out and submitted through Georgian College’s website. Access the voluntary and confidential Indigenous student self-identification form.
Once you fill out the voluntary and confidential Indigenous student self-identification form, you become eligible to apply for Georgian’s Indigenous Student Bursary. You will also receive regular email updates about upcoming activities and events, financial support, job opportunities and more through the Indigenous Resource Centre.
Check out our events calendar and attend a fun activity or event such bead night, drum group, lunch and learn, and more! For volunteer opportunities, reach out to a staff member in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre.
Georgian College has Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centres at four of our campuses:
- Barrie Campus: room M137
- Midland Campus: room A115
- Orillia Campus: room B202
- Owen Sound Campus: room A147
Each centre has friendly staff happy to assist students. Learn more about the services and supports offered through our Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centres.
You can visit Georgian’s library resources for Indigenization to learn more about Indigenous peoples, culture and history in Canada. Georgian College has done a substantial amount of work to increase the awareness of Indigenous peoples in our college system. Please check out our Indigenization page to learn more.
There are many ways to be an ally to the Indigenous community. One of the first steps is to seek out education. Learn about Canada’s history and educate yourself on the negative impact colonization has had—and continues to have—on Indigenous peoples. Start by reviewing the TRC Calls to Action. As an ally, you can use the knowledge that you gain to reflect on your personal role and responsibility in the reconciliation process. For more information on being an ally to Indigenous peoples, check out this guide to developing one’s own role in Indigenization and Reconciliation.
Connect with us
Have a general question?
Sandi Pallister-Gougeon
Academic Program and Support Officer
Indigenous Studies/Services
249.388.0701
Email Sandi
Interested in studying at Georgian?
Michele O’Brien
Program Coordinator
Indigenous Studies
249.388.0736
Email Michele
