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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.

The Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship program at the First Nations House is designed for Arts & Science* undergraduate students at the St George campus who identify as Indigenous to Turtle Island (Canada/Untied States).

*If you are not an Arts & Science student but are a student at the St. George campus and interested in this program, please contact the coordinator, Marissa Campbell at indigenous.peermentorship@utoronto.ca to discuss possible eligibility.

Get a peer mentor to help you:

  • Build skills to enhance your academic journey at U of T and support future experiences.
  • Join a welcoming community of Indigenous students within U of T.
  • Make the most of services offered at First Nation House.
  • 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 be a mentee.

Become a mentor to:

  • 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 be a mentor.

Successful candidates will be invited to a meeting with the coordinator to discuss more details of the program.

Find more Information on Folio.

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.