b'AdvertorialIndigenous academic success A key priority at York UniversityorkUniversitysupports Indigenous student successthroughtheCentrefor AboriginalStudentServices (CASS) which strives to create a sense of belonging and to support the academic, spiritual,physical,andemotional well-beingofadiverseIndigenous student population.We provide a safe community space that offersculturallyappropriatesupport servicesandprogramstofacilitate studentssuccessthroughouttheir postsecondary studies. Skennenk:wa Gamig is a gathering space for Indigenous students, faculty and staff.Recognizing that our Indigenous studentsThe Aboriginal Sharing Circle (Mentoring)Writingsupportisalsoavailablefor are from all corners of Turtle Island, weProgram offers a space for IndigenousIndigenous students. Brenda Blondeau, welcome and encourage all students wholearnerstocometogethertocreate,whoisMtisfromSaskatchewan, self-identifyasIndigenoustoregisterdevelopandsustainalearningprovidespersonalwritinginstruction. with CASS to access our services andenvironment of peer leaders who valueCASS also has a laptop lending program programs. reciprocal relationships.toensurestudentshaveaccessto Our Elder-on-Campus Program connectscomputers and high-speed Internet.Dr. Sheila Cote-MeekstudentswithEldersandTraditionalThe Indigenous Friends app, developedis York UniversitysKnowledgeKeeperswhosharetheirasasocialnetworkingtoolwiththe first Vice-President,Indigenousknowledge,teachingandguidance of the Indigenous community at Equity, People andwisdom, to enhance spiritual growth andYork, helps students to collaborate and Culture. She isidentity. Students have access to bothnetwork, learn about events and access Anishinaabe fromsharingcirclesandone-on-onetraditionalcounsellingandcommunity the Teme-Augamacounselling. resources.Anishnabai. Dr. Cote-Meek holds a PhD in Sociology and Equity Studies as well as an MBA and BScNandisanexperiencedleaderin higher education. She was a full professor in the School of Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian with a cross-appointment to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Author of Colonized Classrooms - Racism, Trauma and Resistance in Post- Secondary Education,Dr.Cote-Meekisanactive researcher and has extensive experience workingwithIndigenouscommunities regionally, nationally and internationally on social justice, education and health-The teepee site is a place where York Indigenous community members share knowledge and related issues.teachings.yorku.ca/aboriginal'