Indigenous students find community through peer mentorship

by Christine Elstub - A&S News

As a new University College student adjusting to university life, Gaby Snache was determined to find community, particularly among her Indigenous peers.

“Growing up on reserve, I always had access to culture and community,” says Snache, who is of Anishinaabe and Filipino descent and a member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. “I was looking for that sense of connection at U of T and specifically to find other Indigenous students who shared a similar experience.”

To foster that sense of belonging, she joined First Nations House’s Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship program and soon found herself among a supportive community sharing family-style meals, cultural practices and advice on navigating U of T.

The program launched in 2024 in response to the final report of U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee, which recognized the need for meaningful mentorship opportunities for Indigenous students.

Rather than one-on-one pairings, mentors and mentees meet as a group, creating a culturally safe space where all members learn from each other. “That’s by design because it’s really about community building and supporting each other,” says program coordinator Marissa Campbell.

The program’s core values are inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, a set of Anishinaabe guiding principles to live by — Love, Truth, Wisdom, Humility, Respect, Courage and Honesty.

Students are also invited to bring their own cultural teachings and practices to the program. “There are more than 600 First Nations in Canada, and every Nation has their own traditions and stories, so we incorporate those based on how the students want to approach it,” Campbell explains. For example, last year’s sessions began with a smudging ceremony at the suggestion of one of the participants.

Sessions are structured around a central theme, like navigating U of T, academic success, cultural connections and mental health. Each mentor co-leads a session, giving a presentation on the topic and facilitating group activities with coaching from Campbell.

“When you’re a mentor, you’re really supported by Marissa,” says Allana Nakashook-Zettler, an urban Inuk who was a mentor during the final year of her chemical engineering degree. “It helped me learn how to articulate my learnings into a more concise version to share.”

Sessions also include a communal meal prepared by Campbell, a program highlight for Nakashook-Zettler. “To sit down around the table and eat together — which most of us would do with our families back home — was really nice.”

That sense of community was also a highlight for Julia Pine Bisson, a second-year student studying political science and Indigenous studies as a member of Woodsworth College. She says the program helped her make friends with other Indigenous students, giving her a greater sense of pride. “I felt a lot more confident as an Indigenous student at U of T because I saw others were doing it,” says Pine Bisson, who is Anishinaabe and a member of Garden River First Nation. “They empowered me to be proud, even in a colonial space where my people have not historically been welcomed.”

Snache, who is majoring in biodiversity and conservation biology as a member of University College, says the mentors “went above and beyond. They really took the time to listen and check in regularly with the group and share practical advice.” In particular, they put her at ease about changing majors by sharing their own educational journeys.

Beyond academics, the program takes a holistic approach by exploring topics like emotional wellbeing and community care and highlighting resources for Indigenous students. “Academics don’t exist in a vacuum. Being in this colonial institution is a very different experience for somebody who has gone through colonialization within their life,” says Campbell, drawing on her own experience as a Mi’kmaq student at U of T, where she graduated in 2011 as a member of Victoria College.

Pine Bisson says this aspect of the program was especially helpful. “Whether it be mental health or academic supports, I got to hear from people who actually used them and had positive experiences. It encouraged me to seek those services out too.”

For students considering signing up for the program, Snache’s advice is to simply show up. “The mentors, as well as First Nations House staff, all genuinely want to support your success — they’re all rooting for you. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn just by showing up and being part of these conversations.”

The Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship program will resume in January 2026 with bi-weekly sessions throughout the winter term. Prospective mentees can join the program at any time throughout the winter term. Email indigenous.peermentorship@utoronto.ca to apply.