TFS Seeking Applications for New Indigenous Students Advisory Council

Toronto Film School and Yorkville University are seeking Indigenous-identifying students interested in joining its new Indigenous Students Advisory Council.

Co-chaired by Jessica Gruchy, Manager of Indigenous Partnerships and Engagement, and Thamina Jaferi, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Indigenous Students Advisory Council (ISAC) is an up-to-10-member body that was created via a collaborative and consultative process to address the specific needs of Indigenous students.

According to Jaferi, it is just one of the significant steps being taken by TFS and YU towards Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

“The ISAC is a mechanism for our leadership to engage in meaningful dialogues of truth, respect, trust and reconciliation with Indigenous students, so that we can create more inclusive spaces for Indigenous students to build relationships and engagement with their Indigenous peers and with the greater TFS  and YU community,” she said.

“Indigenous students will have the opportunity to voice their unique perspectives on the student experience and provide feedback to the organization on the enhancement of Indigenous inclusion.”

The ISAC will aim to be representative of diverse Indigenous TFS and YU students, who will assist Jaferi and Gruchy in leading organizational Indigenization strategic plan initiatives, as well as helping to develop networks amongst Indigenous students and safe spaces to voice their perspectives on their student experience.

“All Indigenous-identifying students are welcome to apply regardless of Indigenous status. We are seeking diverse representation within the Indigenous community – First Nations, Métis and Inuit,” said Gruchy, a Mi’kmaq member of the Qalipu First Nation in Newfoundland.

“Each Indigenous student has a unique lived experience and can make a valuable addition to this council.”

Each of the up-to-eight student members of the ISAC will be expected to attend monthly meetings (and potentially some ad-hoc meetings) with their fellow ISAC members, for an approximate time commitment of two to five hours each month.

In addition to providing their input into related decision-making, initiatives, policies and practices, student members will also have the opportunity to build community amongst other Indigenous students within a safe space.

All Indigenous-identifying applicants are welcome, regardless of Indigenous status. If you have a passion and interest in Indigenous inclusion issues, and also bring knowledge and lived experience of such matters, please read YU’s ISAC Terms of Reference and fill out an application form.

All application forms must be submitted via email to [email protected] by June 10, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). Successful candidates will be shortlisted to move forward in the selection process.

Anyone with further questions is asked to reach out to Jaferi at [email protected] or Gruchy at [email protected]