Meet the RASS Team
The TMU Aboriginal Student Services team is made up of Indigenous staff and faculty as well as a peer support team made up of students who collaborate to raise awareness of Indigenous culture and heritage within an urban setting.
The team also offers a variety of community resources and support for students, including access to Elders, cultural workshops, cultural-based learning, advocacy, counselling and financial assistance support.
“Hi, my name is Sheila Saikkonen (she/her). I am Ojibway and from the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek community. I am the Administrative Assistant and I am usually the first person you would contact when you come to TMU Aboriginal Student Services.
There are many services we can provide to you, such as access to computers, printing, and faxing services to mention a few. Please feel free to contact me!”
Get in touch with Sheila
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 557699
Email: ssaikkon@torontomu.ca
Room: KHW-389-H
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Hello, my name is Diane Simone (she/her). I am the Aboriginal Learning Support Facilitator for TMU Aboriginal Student Services. My mother's family identifies as part Mi'kmaq, originally from Saint John, New Brunswick.
In my role at TMU Aboriginal Student Services, I provide writing workshops throughout the year and am available to meet one-on-one to assist students with academic support. If you need writing assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I look forward to meeting you soon!”
Get in touch with Diane
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 553326
Email: dsimone@torontomu.ca
Room: KHW-389-B
Availability: Monday to Friday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Se:kon and Skennon ko:wa ken. My name is Kingfish Walks with Wolves (Bradley), and my last name is Gibson. I live in Whitby and I am from the Mohawk nation. My job is the Aboriginal Academic Student Advisor and I am studying Mohawk.
For the last 20 years I have worked in the York Region District School Board as a CYW, Performance Plus CYW, and finally for the last 5 years as the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Student Advisor. It has been my privilege and honor to serve the students, parents, and staff of the YRDSB those many years and I look forward to bringing the same passion and commitment to the students and staff of TMU.
Please stop by to say hi, ask a question, and or share a smudge, I look forward to meeting you.
O’inen ki’ wahi.
Get in touch with Bradley
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 552609
Email: bradley.gibson@torontomu.ca
Room: KHW-389-F
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Ahnee, boozhoo, my name is Brian Norton (he/him). I am Anishnaabe from Chimnissing First Nation, also known as Beausoleil on the shores of southern Georgian Bay.
As Program Manager for TMU Aboriginal Student Services, I am part of a team of people who share the belief of being life-long advocates for higher learning. Along with my colleagues at RASS, we strive to deliver services that are essential for the success of the Indigneous students at TMU."
Get in touch with Brian
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 553327
Email: bnorton@torontomu.ca
Room: KHW-366-A
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Aboriginal Peer Support Program is dynamic and made up of Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit students students at TMU who conduct outreach and provide peer support to other Aboriginal students on-campus.
The Peer Support team can provide you with information and resources about our educational, social and cultural events. You can also learn how to get involved and connected with the Indigenous community at TMU
Get in touch with the Aboriginal Peer Support team
Phone: 416-979-5000, ext. 556660
Email: abpeers@torontomu.ca
Room: KHW-372
Availability: Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.