Care Packages for Indigenous Students

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.

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.