
Summary
When Indigenous students begin post-secondary studies, there can be a distinct sense of unease, distrust, not belonging, fear, overwhelm, and sometimes homesickness. While these feelings are not unique to Indigenous students, one need only look to the recent past and hear the stories of current Indigenous students to understand the validity of these concerns. We also acknowledge that there is an intersection of sexual violence and Indigeneity that cannot be ignored.
As a result, Fanshawe college’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Indigenous Services partnered in the fall of 2020 to create and distribute care packages to Indigenous students in need. The response from students was overwhelming and since the fall of last year, approximately 300 care packages have been delivered to those in need, with uptake often forcing the closure of applications early. This year we have over 500 Indigenous students accessing our services at the college.
Vision
We have identified that there is a strong need for these care packages which consist of smudge kits and other wellness products and therefore we are looking to raise funds to purchase 100 smudge kits ($25 each) to be included in the care packages for Indigenous students so that we can support even more students.
Impact
In sending care packages to Indigenous students we hope to encourage the bravery, kindness, and honesty we know is inherent in them to bloom. We want Indigenous students to feel that they belong at Fanshawe, that they have value, and that we are here to support them in any way they might need. Along with sexual health products, teas, and sacred medicines, we share information about services that may be difficult to ask about.
Backers
Show Donor Wall >>Fiorella Sabadin

Kasey's Uncle Bob
We have the right and ability to practice our inherent rights as Indigenous People. These kits make it more accessible for Indigenous Students to reclaim their identity.
Megan Zinn
Chris Blanchard
Caitlin Cochrane-Chick
Darby Deline
Scott Mousseau
Paul D Jones
Happy to help. My children are Indigenous/Welsh.
Mary Harrison
Gabriela Kongkham-Fernandez
Thanks to our indigenous students and community for their strength and honesty and for all their knowledge sharing, Fanshawe is lucky to have you and learn from you.
Guy Williams
Floating Therapy
All the best to students and teachers in this program.