Indigenous Student Services

The Indigenous Student Centre offers a welcoming, stress‑free environment where Indigenous students can learn, connect, and grow together. Led by Indigenous staff, the Centre provides cultural programming such as one‑on‑one and group crafts and activities, access to Traditional Medicines for smudging, and opportunities for appointments with an Indigenous Counsellor or Elder.

Students have access to language resources, peer support, life coaching, assistance with scholarship applications, community presentations, and referrals to additional College and community services when needed. The Centre also offers practical tools such as computers and photocopying, supporting students academically and personally in a space grounded in culture and community.

• Windsor Centre is located in Room A1607A
• Chatham Centre is located in Room W1048

Explore our Indigenous Student Guide to see what makes Saints Nation a place where you truly belong.

Celebrating Indigenous Heritage

Our Indigenous Learner Advisor and Counsellor work closely with students and staff to create a vibrant, supportive community through a wide range of social and cultural activities on and off campus. They partner with First Nations and Indigenous organizations to host meaningful events throughout the year, including the annual Student and Alumni Pow Wow, and community gatherings that honour important days such as Orange Shirt Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.

In addition to these large events, the team offers traditional teachings, craft nights, socials, and visits from guest speakers - creating many opportunities for connection, learning, and cultural celebration.

More than just participants, students are invited to take an active role in planning and volunteering at events, sharing their stories, strengths, and cultural knowledge with the broader community. This collaborative spirit helps build a space where students feel valued, empowered, and deeply connected to one another.

Land Acknowledgement

St. Clair College would like to recognize and acknowledge that it sits on the Three Fire's Confederacy’s Traditional Territory of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. We would also like to acknowledge the many other Tribes and Indigenous Nations that call this beautiful land home. We give thanks for the land and surrounding water for sustaining us.

• Download the St. Clair College Land Acknowledgement Guide (PDF)

Indigenous Resources

The Indigenous Resources Library Guide was created to help St. Clair College staff and students who are researching or interested in learning more about Indigenous peoples in Canada. Explore books, databases, videos, and educational links here: https://stclaircollege.libguides.com/IndigenousResources

Programs

St. Clair College is a proud partner of the Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI), to offer Indigenous students St. Clair College programs that incorporate additional Indigenous-specific components throughout the curriculum and recognizes the Indigenous culture and language.

• Native Community Worker - Traditional Healing Methods
  The Native Community Worker - Traditional Healing Methods Program promotes an integrated approach to healing and wellness strategies by emphasizing traditional healing methods. The program focuses on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of an individual, family, community or nation. The program will provide you with knowledge and unique opportunities to develop skills through facilitation of talking circles and learning about traditional ceremonies. In addition, students will focus on counselling techniques, cultural studies, and problems that Indigenous people encounter. By understanding these topics, students will be able to make a greater impact when working in the field.
  
  • Employment Opportunities: Graduates are well prepared for positions in mental health services and social services, or as community health representatives, in native community settings, on or off reserves.
• Native Early Childhood Education - Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin
  Through the Binoojiingyag Kinoomaadwin; Early Childhood Education Program you will develop the knowledge, skills and experience required to deliver developmentally appropriate practices and provide a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children. You will be uniquely prepared to incorporate the culturally specific needs of First Nations communities where traditions and language are essential to ensuring the total development of the young child. The opportunity for career advancement, plus financial and job security, are some of the reasons to begin your rewarding career in the field of Early Childhood Education.
  
  • Employment Opportunities: Child Development Centres, Licensed Daycares, Kindergarten Classrooms, Educational Assistants, Ontario Early Years Centres.
• Practical Nursing
  Join the fastest growing profession in Canada as a Registered Practical Nurse. In order for you to be a proficient member of the nursing profession in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community settings, the AEI offers additional First Nations specific components throughout the curriculum such as traditional medicine teachings and practices. Clinical placements are done locally and you have the option of completing your final 7 week preceptorship in your own community. As a graduate of the practical nursing program, you will be eligible and prepared for certification as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) through the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). You will also be eligible to enter the BScN bridging program through Nipissing University.
  
  • Employment Opportunities: Hospitals, Clinics, Mental Health facilities, Long-term Care facilities, Community/Home Care, other health organizations and institutions.