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Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship

Find guidance and build community with Indigenous peers

The Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship program at the First Nations House will connect you with Indigenous peers who understand your unique experiences as an Indigenous student. Indigenous peer mentors can help you navigate your student journey to thrive at U of T and beyond.

Build community, meet new people and take a holistic approach to building your academic success.

The Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship program at the First Nations House welcomes Arts & Science students at the St George campus who identify as Indigenous to Canada (First Nation, Métis, Inuit).

Join an Indigenous Peer Mentorship Group

  • Attend group sessions to learn from other students and guest speakers. Enjoy a group meal at each session.
  • Build skills to enhance your academic journey at U of T and support future experiences.
  • Make connections in a welcoming community of Indigenous students within U of T.
  • Learn more about opportunities and supports available from First Nation House and the University for Indigenous students from Turtle Island.
  • 1st or 2nd year Arts & Science* undergraduate students (with preference for 1st years) at the University of Toronto, St George campus
  • Identifies as Indigenous to Turtle Island (First Nation, Metis, Inuit)
  • Be able to commit to the attending minimum 65-75% of the sessions
  • Have a willingness to be mentored by a peer
  • Be open to engaging in anti-colonial, intersectional practices/principals (or a willingness to be educated on how to engage in said practices/techniques)

Upon successful completion of the program, mentees will receive a letter of completion/reference for future work. Mentees will also be eligible to become future mentors.

Apply to join an Indigenous Peer Mentorship Group for 2025-26

Applications open on September 3, 2025 and information will be on Folio.

Become an Indigenous Peer Mentor

  • Build interpersonal skills in community engagement and leadership.
  • Help create and foster a sense of community for Indigenous students within U of T.
  • Promote services offered at First Nation House.
  • 3rd or 4th year Arts & Science* undergraduate students in good standing at the University of Toronto, St George campus
  • Identifies as Indigenous to Turtle Island (First Nation, Metis, Inuit)
  • Be able to commit to the attending minimum 65-75% of the sessions
  • Be available for training sessions in January 2025 (in person meeting) (up to 4 hours)
  • Have active listening skills
  • Understand issues that are particular to Indigenous undergraduate students
  • Have patience, and a willingness to accept constructive feedback
  • Be trustworthy and responsible

In recognition of the extra preparation and responsibilities of being a mentor, mentors will receive honoraria in 2 installments. Mentors will also be provided with a letter of completion/reference that can be used for future work.

Apply to become an Indigenous Peer Mentor for 2025-26

Applications open on September 3, 2025 and information will be on Folio.

Attend an Info Session

Join on September 16 from 4 – 6 p.m. to learn about the program, meet other possible participants, and hear from previous mentors and mentees on their experience.

Find more information and register on Folio.

Contact the coordinator, Marissa Campbell at indigenous.peermentorship@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.

Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship Sessions, Meetings and Events

The program runs for 12 weeks from mid-January to early April 2025. The group will meet bi-weekly for a 2-hour group session (total of 7 sessions).

Sessions will be an opportunity to connect with the group, share a communal meal and will have a presentation from a community member and/or staff from First Nations House. Each session and presentation will be structured by a theme (e.g. how to navigate University of Toronto).

Each mentor will co-run a portion of one session starting in the second session. The coordinator will work with the mentor(s) to help prepare and structure their responsible portion.

Between the bi-weekly meetings, the coordinator will be conducting one-on-one meetings with group members. Each member will meet with the coordinator 1 – 2 times throughout the program. These one-on-ones will run between 30 – 60 minutes and can be held in person or via Zoom (To be arranged between mentor/mentee and coordinator).

The group will also be provided with optional events/opportunities to attend throughout the program.

After completing the program, mentees and mentors will be invited to join the alumni network.