The Indigenous Student Resource Centre (ISRC) offers a variety of programming for Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis).

Visiting Indigenous Elder’s Program
The Visiting Indigenous Elder’s Program is an ongoing pilot project in partnership with the School of Social Work (SSW). Elders from across Newfoundland and Labrador visit the St. John’s campus to meet with students, staff and faculty to share guidance and instruction in Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being. We hope that this will be the first steps towards a permanent program!

Tent Gatherings
Tent Gatherings are an Indigenous way to gather Memorial as a community and welcome all new students during Welcome Week. Several large tents are set up on the green space between the QEII Library and the University Centre, and everyone is welcome to drop by to meet Elders, share stories and food, and participate in drumming and throat singing. The Tent Gatherings are hosted in partnership with the First Light Friendship Centre and Student Life at the start of the fall and winter semesters on the St. John’s Campus.

Indigenous Initiatives (e.g., Orange Shirt Day and Red Dress Campaign)
The ISRC, in partnership with on-and off-campus organizations, will participate in campaigns and days significant to Indigenous Peoples. These initiatives are a way to gather to recognize, celebrate, and honour our achievements, movements, cultures, histories and resilience.

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day–a time to come together in celebration, honour, and respect for the diverse Indigenous Peoples in this country. Join the ISRC and the Memorial community for food and traditional First Nations’ and Inuit drumming and singing.

Craft Sessions
Whenever possible the ISRC offers students craft sessions such as beading and sewing with sealskin. These sessions are a chance for students to both learn and teach. If you would like to share your knowledge, the ISRC can provide an honorarium to Indigenous students who wish to run craft sessions. Please contact the ISRC if you would like to lead sessions or have a crafting suggestion by emailing ISRC@mun.ca.

Bannock and Board Games
Put down the books, have some fun and refuel with Bannock and Board Games! We supply the board games, bannock, tea and jam. Offered once a week this is a great way to have some fun with old friends and break the ice to make some new ones.

Medicines’ Garden
Although not in the ground yet, there are conversations around the possibilities of creating a small Indigenous Medicines’ Garden at the Indigenous Student House on the St. John’s campus. We welcome input from students, staff and community members around possibilities, please email us at ISRC@mun.ca.

Mid-week Munchies
Drop by the Indigenous Student House for Mid-week Munchies every Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Take a break, have a snack and enjoy a conversation with friends and the ISRC staff.

Wisdom Wednesdays
Every Wednesday we have a guest from either the university community or from a community organization to share knowledge relevant to our Indigenous students. Guests include individuals from various units and departments on campus, as well as Elders and Knowledge Keepers from a variety of communities.

Writing Sessions
Whether you are a first-year student muddling through writing your first essay or a fourth-year with a 4.0 looking to refine your work, the IRSC writing sessions are open to all Indigenous students regardless of ability. These sessions are led by a dedicated writing tutor with a strong background in English and happen at least twice per week.

Student Employment
If you are looking to build your resume, gain experience, and earn some extra money the ISRC may be able to help you out! We are pleased to partner with Student Life at Memorial to provide students with opportunities to participate in job placements at the ISRC. These placements provide valuable work experience for undergraduate students through Memorial's Undergraduate Career Experience Program (MUCEP) and graduate students through the Graduate Student Work Experience Program (GradSWEP). We can also help you apply for MUCEPs and GradSWEPs offered outside the ISRC.

First Nations Drumming
Join us for First Nations drumming, happening Fridays at the Indigenous Student House. Drums are available and no experience is needed. This is a casual drop-in event, if you only have time for a smudge and a song between classes. This event is open to the Memorial University community. Updates are posted on the Indigenous Student Resource Centre Facebook Page.

Inuit Drumming and Throat Singing
Join us for Inuit drumming and throat singing, happening Friday at the Indigenous Student House. Drums are available and no experience is needed. This is a casual event, if you only have time for a song or two between classes. This event is open to the Memorial University community. Updates are posted on the Indigenous Student Resource Centre Facebook Page.

Beginning and End of Semester Celebrations
The ISRC welcomes Indigenous students and their families at the beginning of each semester to join us in a range of orientation sessions as well as an open house and Tent Gathering. End of semester celebrations include gatherings where students can take part in crafts and enjoy music, food, and quality time with friends. Information about Orientation, Welcome Week, and end of semester activities are available on the ISRC website calendar, the ISRC Facebook page, or by contacting ISRC@mun.ca.