Ashley Buch speaks about the importance of Identity, space, and fostering relationships with Niagara College staff to support Indigenous students. A wholistic approach is taken that utilizes student input as experts in order to promote a culturally sensitive space with applicable services. Utilizing Indigenous student voices taps into knowledge that they have been given by their ancestors which empowers students while promoting leadership to shape education and campus culture.
Ashley Buck works to create a culturally sensitive space and to provide services to Indigenous students that are important to their success within both of the Niagara College campuses. This program acknowledges that students are the experts (TRC call to action), and uses their input and knowledge to shape the services provided. Living in two worlds can be a challenge to an Indigenous student especially challenging for those living in an urban centre for the first time and the Indigenous lounge is a physical space where peer support and community is fostered. Ashley explains that mirroring the support of an Indigenous community is a goal of the program that can make the transition to a college atmosphere easier and success in their studies higher. Taking their lead from students this mirroring has involved smudging, talking circles, meetings with elders, and soup luncheons. The visibility the program seeks to advocate for Indigenous awareness within the college as they have hosted their 2nd annual Indigenous Awareness Month.
