Indigenous Student Experience

Territory acknowledgment

Located on the unceded Coast Salish Territory - the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓icə̓y̓ (Katzie), Kwantlen, Qayqayt, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen nations, the three campuses of Simon Fraser University include a vibrant Indigenous community.

The Indigenous campus community of SFU work collectively to create an inclusive learning environment for all students, staff and community members.

On this page you will find stories and experiences from Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students, alumni, faculty, and staff. We hope to offer you everything you need to get to know the SFU community better, and to make decisions about your future. If you're interested in applying to attend SFU, we encourage you to talk to our Indigenous recruitment and admissions team.

Keep reading to learn more and plan your journey.

Brittany Bingham successfully defended her PhD last month, becoming FHS’s first Indigenous PhD graduate.

Health Sciences’ first Indigenous PhD graduate wins grant to shape COVID-19 plan for Vancouver’s urban Indigenous

Brittany Bingham hopes her work helps with the effort to decolonize health research, resolve inequities, and remove barriers to accessing health services for Vancouver’s urban and remote Indigenous populations, through innovative and Indigenous-led approaches.

Read more

Community Stories

INDIGENOUS STUDENT CENTRE AT SFU

Are you a student who identifies as First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Métis or Inuit?

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) at SFU provides self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students with various programs, services, and events to support their academic success and personal wellbeing. In addition to health and counselling services, we offer financial aid and awards advising, academic advising, tutoring, library support, as well as other resources. The ISC has a common area and study space, a smudging and medicine area, a language resource library, student kitchen, and more!

Programs, Events and Activities

Our Peer Cousin Mentorship Program pairs up senior Indigenous students with new Indigenous students. The Elders in our Elders Program hold distinct traditional knowledge, facilitate ceremonial activities, and offer students guidance and support. We also offer Cultural Connections, where Indigenous students have opportunities to engage in cultural and artistic activities.

ISC Newsletter and Updates

To receive news and updates from the ISC, make sure you self-identify as Indigenous when you apply to SFU or contact the ISC.
 
Self-identification is the voluntary, confidential, self-declaration of Indigenous ancestry in Canada. It is important to self-identify as an Indigenous person so we can stay connected with you and provide additional support and services that are unique, holistic, and culturally sensitive to Indigenous students.