Hiring is now closed for the 2020-2021 Academic Year, please contact Annie Miller-Kingston or Kirstei Abbott at IESP@carleton.ca for hiring for the 2021-2022 Academic Year
Program Overview
The Indigenous School Mentorship Program offers an opportunity for Carleton students to work as peer mentors with Indigenous elementary and high school students in the Ottawa area, through involvement in the classroom, lunchtime or after-school programs and/or cultural clubs. Currently Carleton students mentor weekly at one or more of the following sites: the Odawa Urban Aboriginal Alternative High School, which offers a fully Indigenous and holistic learning environment; Queen Elizabeth Public School, which offers extensive learning opportunities and supports for Indigenous students; and the Odawa Native Friendship Centre Akwe:go Program, an after-school cultural program for children and youth. The mentors are role models who provide cultural knowledge and activities as well as academic support for Indigenous students through sharing learning strategies, traditional activities and practical advice. Using their own elementary, high school and post-secondary experiences mentors help Indigenous students bridge the transitions between elementary, high school, post-secondary and career pathways. The positive relationship between mentor and student helps increase confidence, contributes to the achievement of goals, and fosters an understanding about learning and life challenges. Mentors themselves work in cohesive teams and support each other throughout the school year. This position is of interest to Carleton students in all disciplines, and provides experience that has been of particular benefit to those interested in teaching, social work, child and youth work, recreation, and other human services professions. It also offers a unique opportunity to develop strong leadership skills.
Program Goals:
- Foster understanding of students’ own and others First Nations, Metis and Inuit identities and histories, comfort with identity, and a sense of pride in these identities
- Provide encouragement and support to Indigenous students in their efforts to thrive in school and community programs
- Share learning experiences and knowledge to develop and enhance Indigenous cultural knowledge and understanding
- Dispel confusion and false perceptions about post-secondary learning
- Encourage students to stay in school and to consider different options after completing their studies
- Develop leadership, communication and solution-based skills
Partners:
Queen Elizabeth Public School
Odawa Urban Aboriginal Alternative High School
Odawa Native Friendship Centre Akwe:go Program