When she attended a drum circle hosted by Brock University’s Indigenous Plus program earlier this year, Caileigh Burgess also embarked on a journey of self-discovery.

“I knew after that first experience that I was going to love the program, and that it would be incredibly healing for me,” she said. “I wanted to be involved on campus, but I often experienced imposter syndrome around my Indigenous identity — this program helped me build the confidence to engage with my culture and other Indigenous people.”

The third-year Concurrent Education student, who is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, is among the first cohort of Indigenous Plus students. They were recognized at an event to celebrate the program’s first year in Brock’s Pond Inlet on Monday, March 30.

Developed by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement in partnership with Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, the four-year experiential program blends Indigenous perspectives and cultural teachings with career-integrated learning.

That approach provides opportunities for students to connect with their Indigenous identities while developing skills and cultural growth that give them a competitive edge when applying to jobs or post-graduate studies.

“I’m proud of the students in this first cohort, whose leadership, commitment and care for one another helped shape the foundation of Indigenous Plus,” said Interim Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Sheila Cote-Meek. “Supported by Elders, mentors and community, they show what is possible when Indigenous students are given the space and support to thrive.”

First-year Child and Youth Studies student Peyton Martin learned about the co-curricular program while attending the third annual Pow Wow at Brock.

As a member of the Oneida Nation, Turtle clan, from Six Nations of the Grand River, Martin spent four years living on a reservation during elementary school. She was highly engaged in opportunities to share Indigenous teachings while living in community and is passionate about continuing that learning at Brock.

She said participating in a smudging ceremony and making a medicine bag during a visit to a local Aboriginal Health Centre during the program opened her eyes “to the feeling of connection that comes with participating in new and different Indigenous activities.”

“I have always loved being able to represent my Indigenous heritage and teaching others, so learning more at school has helped me feel a lot more confident about being able to one day do that at work, potentially at a daycare or as a speech pathologist in community,” she added.

Burgess agreed that the resources, knowledge and connections she is gaining through the program will support her future career.

“Becoming a teacher is something that means so much to me and I want to be able to bring land-based learning and Indigenous teachings and literature into my future classroom,” she said.

Indigenous students like Burgess and Martin can participate in the program at no cost, thanks to a transformative $500,000 gift in 2024 as part of Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE initiative to strengthen economic resilience among disadvantaged groups.

“Scotiabank is committed to deepening trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities through its journey of truth and reconciliation. We are proud to continue our community partnership with Brock University to support Indigenous students in reaching their full potential through ScotiaRISE,” said Noelle Urquhart (BBA ’98), District Vice President, Niagara and Brantford, Ontario Region, Scotiabank. “By working together to increase access to opportunities and removing barriers to advancement, we can create a more inclusive and resilient world for everyone and every future.”

Indigenous Plus Consultant Michelle Root said donor and community support have been invaluable to the program’s success.

“Seeing students grow as individuals while they engage with their community and beam with pride when they realize how much they are truly capable of is incredibly special,” she said.

Students earn a certificate for each year of the Indigenous Plus program they complete, and Root looks forward to seeing the program evolve to meet the needs of participants as they progress through the curriculum.

“As they become more confident in themselves and assured in their ability to pursue their future aspirations, my biggest hope is they discover they are worthy of taking up space, they don’t need to fit a certain mould to achieve their goals and they have so much to offer,” said Root.

To learn more, contact [email protected] or visit @indigenousplus.brocku on Instagram.