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Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship

Find guidance and build community with Indigenous peers

The Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship program at the First Nations House is designed for Arts & Science* undergraduate students who identify as Indigenous to Turtle Island (Canada/Untied States), at the University of Toronto. Working within a group structure, the program aims to create a culturally safe environment where students can:

  • On an individual level: build on interpersonal skills, community engagement skills, leadership skills and academic skills that can assist with the academic journey at University of Toronto, and/or future community, academic and professional engagements.
  • Create and foster a sense of community for Indigenous students within the University of Toronto campus.
  • Have a greater understanding of the services offered at First Nation House.

*if you are not an arts and science student but are an undergraduate student at University of Toronto and interested in this program please contact the coordinator, Marissa Campbell, at indigenous.peermentorship@utoronto.ca to discuss possible eligibility.

All questions and inquires can be directed to Marissa Campbell, Student Life Coordinator Academic and Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program at indigenous.peermentorship@utoronto.ca.

  • 1st year and above Arts & Science undergraduate (with preference for 1st years) at the University of Toronto, St George Campus
  • Identifies as Indigenous to Turtle Island (First Nation, Metis, Inuit)
  • Be able to commit to the attending minimum 65-75% of the sessions
  • Have a willingness to be mentored by a peer
  • Be open to engaging in anti-colonial, intersectional practices/principals (or a willingness to be educated on how to engage in said practices/techniques)

Upon successful completion of the program, mentees will receive a letter of completion/reference for future work. Mentees will also be eligible to become future mentors.

Apply to join an Indigenous Peer Mentorship Group

Apply on Folio.

Become an Indigenous Peer Mentor

  • Build interpersonal skills in community engagement and leadership.
  • Help create and foster a sense of community for Indigenous students within U of T.
  • Promote services offered at First Nation House.
  • 3rd or 4th year Arts & Science* undergraduate students in good standing at the University of Toronto, St George campus
  • Identifies as Indigenous to Turtle Island (First Nation, Metis, Inuit)
  • Be able to commit to the attending minimum 65-75% of the sessions
  • Be available for training sessions in January 2025 (in person meeting) (up to 4 hours)
  • Have active listening skills
  • Understand issues that are particular to Indigenous undergraduate students
  • Have patience, and a willingness to accept constructive feedback
  • Be trustworthy and responsible

In recognition of the extra preparation and responsibilities of being a mentor, mentors will receive honoraria in 2 installments. Mentors will also be provided with a letter of completion/reference that can be used for future work.

Apply to become an Indigenous Peer Mentor

Apply on Folio.

Attend an Info Session

Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.

  • 16
    Sep
    Tue, Sep 16, 2025
    4 – 6 p.m.
    In Person
    Bookings required

    • Contact the coordinator, Marissa Campbell at indigenous.peermentorship@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.

    Indigenous Peer Group Mentorship Sessions, Meetings and Events

    The program will start in the fall semester (November 2025) and run to the end of Winter 2026 (April). The group will meet at least once a month for a group session. Sessions will be an opportunity to connect with the group, share a communal meal, and have a presentation from one of the mentors. Each session will be structured by a theme (e.g. how to navigate University of Toronto), and the presentation will be reflective of the theme of the session.

    Each mentor will co-run a portion of one session starting in the second session. The coordinator will work with the mentor(s) to help prepare and structure their responsible portion.

    In addition to the group session(s), there will be monthly presentations open to both the peer group and the wider relevant University student population. The presentations will feature staff from First Nation House, relevant faculty and staff from the University of Toronto.

    The group will also be provided with optional events/opportunities to attend throughout the program.

    After completing the program, mentees and mentors will be invited to join the alumni network.