Fleming College recognizes that First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities are unique and often times Fleming students are traveling from far distances to attend college. We believe that by creating a community of all Aboriginal peoples on campus that we can strive to succeed and encourage one another through this sometimes challenging experience.
Fleming Aboriginal Student Support Services does its utmost to facilitate as many student issues as possible; however, we also understand that services provided by designated Support Staff should be complimented by Aboriginal peoples from the surrounding communities. All of us together play an important role in the success of Aboriginal students here at Fleming and we are very fortunate to have Aboriginal faculty and staff as well as local Elders and Traditional Teachers who have offered to provide guidance and make themselves available to you if you have any questions, concerns or cultural needs.
Our 'Circle of Care' comprises a group of individuals fully invested in supporting your individual development and academic success. Together we strive to promote spiritual, physical, mental and emotional wellness, strengthening our connectedness and community.
We were all students at one time as well, and realize the importance of these relationships.
Please feel free to drop in and say hello to the following individuals in our 'Circle of Care'
Elder Shirley Williams
Bio, photo and contact information will be posted shortly. Miigwetch for your patience.
Gerard Sagassige
Bio, photo and contact information will be posted shortly. Miigwetch for your patience.
D'Arcy Rheault
D'Arcy is Métis (Algonquin/French Canadian), and is originally from Timmins, Ontario. His traditional name is Ishpeming'enzaabid (He-who-sees-from-a-high-place) and he belongs to the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan). He has spent many years learning from the Elders and Traditional Teachers of the Midewiwin Lodges in the Milles Lacs Ojibwe Territories in Minnesota and incorporates a great deal of traditional Anishinaabe cultural knowledge and philosophy into his academic and cultural work. D'Arcy received a BA with honours in philosophy from Brock University, an MA in Native Studies from Trent University and is currently a PhD candidate on leave from York University. He taught at Brock, Trent and York Universities from 1994-2005 and has been at Fleming College since 2007 teaching Aboriginal Community Development, Aboriginal Justice, and since 2010, Aboriginal History and Culture (a pre-requisite course across many disciplines at the college). D'Arcy is often found in the Aboriginal Student Lounge spending time with students talking about academic life and Anishinaabe Traditional Knowledge.
D'Arcy can also be reached at drheault@flemingc.on.ca or 705-749-5520 ext. 1752
Tara Williamson (Anishinaabe/Nehayo - Ojibwe/Cree)
Aaniin! Tansi! Welcome to Fleming! I am a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and was raised in Gabishkigaamaag (Swan Lake), Manitoba. I am a new transplant to Nogojiwanong (Peterborough, ON) and so far, I am loving my time in this community!
I come to Fleming with a background in Social Work, Law, and Indigenous Governance. I have worked with and for Indigenous communities and organizations for the last 9 years and am excited to be applying my education and experience as a full-time Faculty member in the School of Law, Justice, and Community Services.
I'm more than happy to meet and visit with new and returning students. I know how important it is to have allies and mentors in post-secondary education, so please don't hesitate to get in touch with me!
Eliza Tru
Bio, photo and contact information will be posted shortly. Miigwetch for your patience.
Revised: March 13, 2012