If you have any questions about Indigenous Student Services, our resources or programs, please contact us at indigstuserv@douglascollege.ca.
Indigenous Student Services staff members
Devon Davis
Indigenous Student Support Navigator
New Westminster Campus
Ph: 236-428-4726
Email: davisd4@douglascollege.ca
Tanya Joostema
Indigenous Student Support Navigator
Coquitlam Campus
Ph: 604-777-6188
Email: joostemat@douglascollege.ca
Indigenous Counsellor
Indigenous Counsellor
Chantelle, the Douglas College Indigenous Counsellor, draws from an Indigenous worldview and culturally relevant practice to provide a safe space for emotional, mental and health support as well as personal development for current Indigenous students. Read her bio. Book an appointment.
Indigenous Student Supports
Additional supports are available for prospective and current Indigenous students.
Indigenous Recruiter Advisor
Are you an Indigenous prospective student with questions about our academic programs, support services, application process or financial aid? Please contact our Indigenous Recruiter Advisor at indigenousrecruiter@douglascollege.ca.
Indigenous CAF Advisor
If you are looking for a credential that centres on Indigenous culture, research and knowledge, we recommend the Certificate in Academic Foundations (CAF) – Indigenous Studies. You’ll engage with the histories of Indigenous peoples and territories while developing your active learning and critical-thinking skills in a setting that honours traditional knowledge. Learn more from Michelle Sound, Indigenous CAF Advisor, at soundm@douglascollege.ca.
Elder in Residence Program
Elder June
Elder June is a Nehiyaw iskwew (Cree Woman) and a proud member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation from Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan. Her Cree name is Muskwa Iskwew and she is rooted in the Red Nation. Elder June attended UBC and did her undergraduate studies in Political Science which taught her to read and write but also to think for herself.
She has worked for several organizations at various levels of responsibility and has found her true passion which is working with people. She was the elected National representative for the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of British Columbia for four years and assisted in negotiating a $800 Million budget for Friendship Centres throughout Canada. An experience she cherishes.
For the last 20 years she was the owner of a successful real estate company in Bangkok, Thailand and she truly loved the challenge. She is an avid traveller and has been blessed to have visited 26 countries where she cherished the rich and diverse cultures of many nations. While she has travelled the world she always longed for home. She feels home now.
Indigenous Student Resource Rooms
New Westminster Campus, room S4830
This centre sits on the traditional territory of the qiqéyt (Qayqayt) First Nation. The qiqéyt is one of the smallest First Nations in Canada and the only one without a land base.
The qiqéyt reserve used to exist on the banks of the Fraser River, around New Westminster. The qiqéyt people historically spoke the Halq'eméylem (Upriver dialect), of Halkomelem (also Hul’q’umi’num’/Henqeminem), a Coast Salish language.
Here are some resources for more information about the qiqéyt:
A Tribe of One – a National Film Board film documentary (available in our Library)
"We Are the Qayqayt” – Chief Rhonda Larrabee’s Story
Coquitlam Campus, room B3131
This centre sits on the traditional territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. The kʷikʷəƛ̓əm are a Sto:lo people with reserves in the Coquitlam River watershed. They traditionally speak the Downriver dialect of Halkomelem (also Hul’q’umi’num’/Henqeminem). The name “kʷikʷəƛ̓əm”means “red fish up the river.”