What We Do

Image of two students sitting at a table in front of an OISE poster.

The IEN offers a range of programming specifically for Indigenous, Black-Indigenous and Black students. If you are a student at OISE and from these communities please reach out to the IEN for more information and to be added to our communications list.

The IEN coordinates sessions with writing experts and coaches to help Indigenous, Black-Indigenous and Black students with their academic writing. This includes group writing workshops, individual coaching, and copyediting services.

Navigating graduate school can be complicated and expensive. IEN staff carry institutional knowledge that can help you find the information and resources you are looking for. If we do not know the answer we will connect you with someone who does—please contact the IEN to make an appointment.

Laughing, eating and celebrating together is important to the IEN. Throughout the year a range of social events will be organized that bring together people in our network. Past events include celebrating Rock-Your-Mocs, Winter Socials, tea times, student celebrations and more.

The IEN hosts scholars, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural practitioners to help us advance perspectives in anti-colonial education and Indigenous teaching and learning. We convene learning spaces such as public talks and lectures, gatherings, lunch ‘n learns, student meals and drop-in sessions.

The IEN also offers programming open to anyone with an interest in anti-colonial and Indigenous education. Through this programming we aim to create space for knowledge exchange and relationship building within and outside of OISE and the University of Toronto.

Gokoomis Jacque(line) Lavalley offers ongoing support to the IEN through traditional teaching and supports to students, staff, faculty and IEN community members outside of the university. The IEN hosts regular drop-in sessions and medicine teachings each term (done virtually until further notice). Registration information for the medicine teachings is sent out though our listserv. Email ien@utoronto.ca to be added to the attendee list to join the drop-in circles. 

Jacque is a member of the Shawanaga First Nation, East Shore Georgian Bay. She is an Ojibwe Traditional Teacher and an Ojibwe Traditional Gokoomis (Grandmother). Jacque is also a singer, dancer, song writer and an exceptional Traditional Ojibwe Storyteller using her own life story as an introduction into the Traditional, Spiritual aspects of being an Anishinaabe Ekwe (Indigenous Woman).

The IEN distributes a newsletter that is sent bi-monthly to our listerv subscribers. The newsletter includes upcoming IEN events, community events, scholarships and bursaries, employment opportunities and wellness resources. If you would like to join our listserv or share an opportunity with our network, send us at email at ien@utoronto.ca  

Public events that have been recorded with permission of speakers are posted on the IEN’s YouTube channel. Please feel free to visit our channel and check out some of the past events we have organized.
» Visit the IEN YouTube Channel