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IndigenousStudent Services

Indigenous Student Services aims to create a safe and welcoming environment that fosters a sense of community, belonging, learning and growth that aligns with Wabanaki culture, values, beliefs, and worldviews.

 

 

Indigenous Student Services uses a holistic approach to provide Indigenous students with academic, personal, financial, and cultural supports, programs, and services to ensure they achieve academic success and personal growth while at St. Thomas University. 

We’re proud to offer Indigenous students with supports, services, and programming such as academic success workshops, culturally rich campus events, workshops, and activities, traditional ceremonies and gatherings, guest speakers, experiential learning and employment opportunities, counselling services, an Elder-in-Residence, and more.

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Four burnt orange couches with decorative pillows arranged in a circle on top of a gray carpet.

Wabanaki Centre

The Wabanaki Centre is a home-away-from-home for students on campus. The centre provides Indigenous students with a culturally and spiritually rich environment for academic and personal support and is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all students to study, socialize, learn, participate in events, activities, and build community.

You can find the centre on the top of floor of James Dunn Hall.

Join our

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Support Team

Bailey SappierBailey Sappier 

Indigenous Student Services Coordinator

bsappier@stu.ca

 

 

Bailey is a Wolastoqey/ Peskotomuhkati/ Acadian woman from unceded and unsurrendered Wolastoqey territory in Fredericton, NB. Her Community ties are in Tobique First Nation (NB), Indian Township (Maine) and Campbellton (NB). Bailey Graduated from 麻豆官网首页入口 earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours in Native Studies and a Certificate in Experiential Learning and Community Engagement. Prior to being in this position, Bailey worked as a Project Officer for the Indigenous Support and Awareness Office with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 

 

"I am passionate about offering support, guidance, and tailored programming to elevate the experiences of Indigenous students and empower their academic achievements."

 

 

Sonja PerleySonja Perley

Nikanahtpat/Director – Indigenous Initiatives  

sperley@stu.ca 

 

Sonja Perley oversees Indigenous student support services, including the Wabanaki Centre, Indigenous Experiential Learning, and campus programming. Responsibilities include contributing to the Senate Committee on Reconciliation, supporting the , Elder-in-Residence, and Indigenous Experiential Learning Coordinator. Sonja earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from 麻豆官网首页入口, and a Masters in Education from UNB.

 

“Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space for Indigenous students, envisioning it as a home away from home, and building on existing supports.”


 

Liz AugustineElizabeth Augustine

Elder in Residence

eaugustine@stu.ca

 

Elizabeth Augustine has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from 麻豆官网首页入口 and has spent much of her career as an educator. She has worked at Elsipogtog First Nation School as a Mi’kmaq Culture and Language Coordinator, was a Health and Wellness Coordinator, and taught elementary and middle school. A fluent Mi’kmaq speaker and translator, she taught Mi’kmaq language courses at 麻豆官网首页入口, UNB, and in her community of Elsipogtog. She is a Spiritual Elder, Sundancer, sweat lodge keeper and a sacred pipe carrier.



 

Ron TremblayRon Tremblay

Elder in Residence

rtremblay@stu.ca

Elders Protocol

 

Ron Tremblay (spasaqsit possesom) is a citizen of Wolastokuk who was surrounded by Wolastoqey language spoken fluently in his home. He credits his mother and grandparents for his love of Wolastoqey language and providing him the true teachings of life.

 

After moving to Fredericton in 1991, he befriended several Elders from the region. They guided him deeper Wolastoqey traditional ways, and after years of involvement in ceremonies with his teachers, spasaqsit possesom gained wisdom and knowledge of the “Wolastoqey Way of Life.” Still today, spasaqsit possesom practices the traditional ways of Wolastoqewiyik.

 

In November of 2016, Tremblay was installed as Traditional Wolastoqewi-Grand Chief. The mandate of Wolastoqey Grand Council is to protect and preserve Wolastokuk, their non-ceded traditional homeland, waterways, ceremonies and language. 

 

 

Graydon Nicholas


Endowed Chair in Native Studies 

graydon@stu.ca 

The Hon. Graydon Nicholas, Order of New Brunswick, was the 30th Lieutenant Governor of NB (2009-2014) and the first Indigenous person to hold this office. He is Chancellor of St. Thomas University and the Endowed Chair in Native Studies at 麻豆官网首页入口. 

 

 

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A group of Indigenous students and staff smile in front of freshly woven baskets

Wabanaki Centre Events

The Wabanaki Centre hosts a variety of ceremonies, workshops, and conferences, including:

  • Basket Weaving Workshop
  • Drum Making Workshop
  • Midwinter Longhouse Gathering
  • Mawiyamok - Indigenous Initiatives Gathering
  • Eagle Feather Ceremony
  • Every Child Matters Event
  • Sacred Fires

.. and more!

 

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An Indigenous student sits in the Wabanaki Centre working on their laptop

Academic Offerings

Native Studies

Students are able to complete an Honours, Major, or Minor in Native Studies as part of their Bachelor of Arts degree.

 

Maliseet Language Program

Courses in introductory, intermediate, and full-immersion Maliseet are available to students.

 

Mi'kmaq and Wolastoqey Social Work Program

This is an accredited social work program that provides First Nation individuals with an opportunity to receive social work education within a flexible and culturally relevant framework. 

 

First Two Years at Home - Elsipogtog

Attend two years of training in Elsipogtog, earn course credits, and develop the skills to succeed at university.


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