Indigenous Initiatives
The Indigenous Initiatives team advances Indigenous student success, teaching, research and community engagement at Toronto Metropolitan University.
What we do
Indigenous Initiatives partners with students, faculty and staff at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), as well as the broader Indigenous community to foster student success, enhance learning and teaching, support research and build meaningful community connections and capacity.
Leadership
Monica McKay | Director, Indigenous Initiatives
Get in touch
For questions about Indigenous Initiatives, please contact Cheryl Trudeau, Administrative Assistant, Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Coordinator, Indigenous Education Council at cktrudeau@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 554636.
Students are at the heart of our work
Our team supports students through the Indigenous Student Centre and programs offered by TMU's Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services, creating welcoming spaces where students can thrive.
Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services
GMISS provides specialized supports for students who identify as Indigenous while building meaningful, reciprocal relationships between TMU and the Indigenous community. This includes:
- Culturally supportive programs that foster success, such as Indigenous Peer Support and the Indigenous Foundations Writing Program.
- Referrals to services and resources within and beyond TMU, including traditional counselling, academic support and financial assistance.
- Collaboration with campus groups and initiatives to strengthen connections and reciprocal relationships, raise awareness and encourage allyship.
Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii has been instrumental in:
- Advancing Indigenous initiatives and programming.
- Increasing Indigenous representation.
- Supporting retention of Indigenous students and staff.
- Cultivating spaces where Indigenous students can thrive.
Indigenous Student Centre
Located in room KHW-372 in Kerr Hall West, the Indigenous Student Centre is a safe space for students to gather, study or socialize. The space includes a computer room, study room, kitchen and communal areas.
Before visiting for the first time, please contact Sheila Saikkonen Administrative Assistant, Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii – Indigenous Student Services at ssaikkon@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 557699 so she can help get you acquainted with the space.
Rebirthed Teachings
The Rebirthed Teachings team fosters truth, understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples while increasing awareness of our shared history. Through collaborative and supportive spaces, the team cultivates a trauma-informed community that honours Indigenous ways of life and strengthens Indigenous experiences on campus.
Celebrating Indigenous cultures and communities
Indigenous Student Services hosts a variety of events open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the TMU community, celebrating Indigenous cultures and fostering understanding. Annual events include the Indigenous Student Orientation and Welcome, Names, Clans and Colours Feast, Ancestors Feast and the Indigenous Role Model event.
