Workshops focused on making authentic moccasins, beading delicate bracelets and creating traditional paintings are among the many outreach initiatives Aboriginal Student Services has on the horizon.

The department is increasing its community engagement both on and off campus in hopes of raising awareness of the services offered to support Indigenous Brock students.

As part of the University’s Student Success Centre, Aboriginal Student Services aims to provide an inclusive space while connecting First Nations, Metis and Inuit students with resources to enhance their academic success and cultural identity at Brock.

Colton Clause, who has taken on the new role of Aboriginal Events Co-ordinator, said the hope is to raise awareness of those services through a variety of public and student-focused events held weekly throughout the school year.

Recent response to event postings on the Aboriginal Student Services Facebook page have been overwhelmingly positive, Clause said, calling it a motivator to ensure the calendar remains packed with quality cultural events.

When a moccasin-making workshop event was posted on the social media site, its 15 spaces filled up in just two days.

“We’re looking at hosting additional workshops because we now have a waiting list of people from all over Niagara, as well as our students, who are interested in participating,” he said.

A lunch for self-identified students is held every other week in the Aboriginal Student Services office (TH 145) just off of Market Hall. The off weeks often include a cultural event or speaking engagement on topics such as employment help and resumé development that can aid students during the summer break and after graduation.

Hosting public events is an opportunity to connect with community members and local organizations. “This helps us to continue to build our network to make sure there are no gaps in our net of support.

“It’s a chance for people to come in, talk with us and to see our space and the services we offer,” Clause said. “The public events also allow us to show high school students the supports and services that will be available to them if they’re looking at attending Brock in the future.”

Aboriginal Student Services moved to its new location from DeCew Residence last year and has since been working to further raise its profile.

“We have a bigger space, we’re more visible and we’re in a more centralized location, so we’re really stepping up our outreach,” Clause said. “There has always been a want there from the community to come in, explore and ask questions. Now we have to space to make that happen.”

Aboriginal Student Services provides student advising and tutoring assistance, and acts as a liaison between Indigenous students and other parts of the University, such as Student Life and Community Experience, Career Education and A-Z Learning Services.

“We really try to be a hub of assistance,” Clause said. “If students need help, we’re here to work on their behalf with the University or to direct them to a community organization that can assist with their specific needs.”

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Aboriginal Student Services Facebook page.