Community is key to deep and engaged learning. At VCC, Indigenous students can find or build a community that works best for them.
Mission, vision, values
Vision
To create a safe space where Indigenous learners are empowered with the resources necessary to achieve their education goals and dreams.
Mission
- Provide holistic supports for Indigenous students to develop a sense of belonging, which encourages personal exploration and success.
- Collaborate with our local Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, as well as other Indigenous groups to align our programming and services with the needs of individual members and their broader communities.
- Consult our three local Nations on the protocols and processes for respectfully living, learning and working on their unceded traditional territories.
- Provide opportunities for learners, employees and the college community to learn about, celebrate and honor Indigenous knowledge, cultures and ways of being.
Values
While guided by many values, the following are the key values that guide our work:
- Respect
- Shared Responsibility
- Community
- Inclusion
- Equity
Elders in residence
On-campus Elders provide strong advice and natural guidance for Indigenous students and the broader VCC community. Elders visit the gathering spaces and meet with students on a one‐on‐one basis or in a group setting. Elders provide cultural teachings and support, Indigenous wisdom, and traditional counselling (in-person or online).
Elder Jean Wasegijig
Elder Jean is an Odawa First Nation member from the Wikwemikoong Reserve in northern Ontario. Her traditional name is “Good Medicine Woman,” which was given to her at a sun dance ceremony in Montana. Elder Jean participates in ceremonies and cultural traditions, and continues her counselling work in the community. She is a mother and grandmother.
Elder Jean teaches the Indigenous Perspective course at Vancouver Community College and is also one of the on-campus Elders. Elder Jean facilitates cultural workshops, medicine wheel teachings and Indigenous history. As well Jean is a writer, published poet and artist.
Elder Jean’s schedule:
- Downtown campus
- Gathering Space, room 100 J-M
- Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Email indigenous@vcc.ca to get in touch with Elder Jean.
I believe in balance, harmony, and healing for our people, and this is what I focus on in my work. We are all part of a circle, the circle of life, where there is no beginning and no end, where we all are equal in the eyes of the creator. From my Odawa grandmother and the Elders generosity, I received priceless traditional teaching.
Elder Jean
Indigenous advisors
Indigenous advisors provide one-on-one guidance and support to Indigenous learners at any point in their journey. If you are considering applying, already enrolled, or need help accessing funding or job opportunities, reach out to an advisor with your question. Advising hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Broadway campus.
Toni Gladstone
Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor, Broadway campus
tgladstone@vcc.ca
778.783.5048
Roxanne Vandale
Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor, Downtown campus
rvandale@vcc.ca
Indigenous services staff
A team of dedicated VCC staff members is on hand to support Indigenous students’ success. To arrange an appointment by Zoom, email, or in person:
- Email: indigenous@vcc.ca
- Call: 604.871.7000 (option 5)
- In-person: Drop by one of our Indigenous Gathering Spaces
Clay Little
Associate Director
Tiana Lewis
Coordinator
Student ambassadors
Other Indigenous students at VCC understand what being on this journey is like. See what advice they have on how to make the most of your time at VCC. To connect with a VCC cousin, reach out to indigenous@vcc.ca.
Eddy Gooch
Student ambassadors