Brock University’s Indigenous Plus program — dedicated to helping Indigenous students realize their full potential — has been given a generous $500,000 boost from Scotiabank.

Announced Wednesday, Aug. 7, funding for the program enabled through ScotiaRISE, the Bank’s $500-million commitment and social impact initiative, will help enhance the educational experience of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at Brock University.

Developed by Brock’s Co-op, Career and Experiential Education unit in partnership with the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, the new immersive, experiential learning program will expose students to a wide range of career and mentorship opportunities, including many led by Indigenous community members.

“This generous gift will allow us to provide Indigenous students with opportunities to connect with culture and community, gain experience, develop skills and build a personal career plan to support their future aspirations,” says Katrina D’Intino, Brock’s Manager, Co-curricular Experiential Learning and Programs.

Building on the successful framework of Brock’s Med and Law Plus offerings, the program will incorporate Indigenous perspectives, cultural teachings and knowledge in career-integrated learning.

From left: Indigenous Plus Consultant Evelyn Dilworth, third-year Medical Sciences student with a minor in Indigenous Studies Sophia Carnovale, Brock alumna Kaitlyn Austin (BSc ’24) and Community Helper Nicole Joy-Fraser sing to close Wednesday’s ceremony announcing Scotiabank’s gift to Brock University’s Indigenous Plus program.

It was a natural fit under the ScotiaRISE social impact initiative, which supports community investment including Indigenous culture and language reclamation.

“Scotiabank is committed to reconciliation, deepening trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities where together, we can take meaningful action towards fostering an inclusive future for all,” says Noelle Urquhart (BBA ’98), Ontario District Vice President at Scotiabank. “Through our ScotiaRISE commitment to promote economic resilience among disadvantaged groups, we are proud to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in the Indigenous Plus program at Brock University.”

Thanks to Scotiabank’s support, students will have the chance to attend speaking engagements with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, participate in workshops and mentorship initiatives, and receive one-on-one career advising to connect their classroom learning to career goals.

“The funding will also help us to support students in reducing barriers so that they are able to engage in all aspects of the program,” D’Intino says.

Indigenous Plus Consultant Evelyn Dilworth (BA ’24, BEd ’24) says the program is being developed with the feedback of Indigenous students in mind, who through focus groups have indicated increased cultural teachings, community engagement, connection and career insight are of the utmost importance.

“We’re excited to build a program that uplifts Indigenous voices, perspectives and ways of knowing within an institutional setting,” says Dilworth, who is of Irish and Mohawk descent. “I look forward to working alongside students to help them thrive in university and beyond.”

The Indigenous Plus program is one way in which Brock University is working to foster a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization on campus.

“Reconciliation is a strategic priority for Brock, but true reconciliation isn’t achieved simply by identifying it as a priority,” says Lesley Rigg, the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “Actions speak much louder than words. And while we know there’s still a long road to walk, we have made some significant advancements in recent years.”

Under the guidance of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, Brock has expanded its Indigenous educational offerings at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and launched continuing education programming for community members about Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

In addition to cultural programming that this year included Brock’s inaugural Pow Wow and returning Indigenous Peoples Awareness Week events, the University has also introduced an Indigenous Research Grant program to fund critical studies, prioritizing those led by Indigenous researchers or conducted in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

Last year, the University welcomed its largest incoming class of self-identified Indigenous students — part of a growing community of Indigenous learners, academics and staff on campus.

With the boost from ScotiaRISE, the launch of the Indigenous Plus program is yet another step forward, Rigg says.

“This gift will go a long way in helping us support our students throughout their educational journeys and ensure they can sustain their futures beyond their time at Brock,” she says. “Thank you to Scotiabank and the ScotiaRISE initiative for the generous support and for helping Indigenous students flourish and thrive.”