Indigenous Student Services

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If your ancestors are Indigenous Peoples of the Lands we now call Canada or you’re Indigenous to other regions of the world, we are grateful that you have chosen to study at Royal Roads. We are committed to supporting your success.

By self-identifying as an Indigenous student when you enroll, or any time after that, you will receive information about opportunities to connect with other Indigenous students and members of our Heron People Circle.

This will also allow us to keep you up to date with information about financial aid and awards, upcoming activities and your Indigenous graduate recognition ceremony.

Connect with Indigenous student services by email to find out more.

Cultural support

We strive to create spaces where Indigenous students feel welcome and safe.

Through Indigenous Student Services, we offer events, workshops and sharing circles on campus and online, so you can build relationships and stay connected to the Royal Roads community, no matter where you are. Some of these events take place in our Indigenous e’lun, an online community space just for Indigenous students.

When you’re on campus you can also access Sneq’wa e’lun. This is our building dedicated to supporting Indigenous Peoples and the work we're doing as a university community to contribute to creating our future together as Indigenous Peoples, descendants of immigrants, immigrants and visitors. Indigenous students can use the space to meet, study or just relax. Email Indigenous Student Services to book.

Academic support

Find academic support services to support you on your academic journey at Royal Roads.

As you probably remember from participating in LaunchPad, our online orientation, you can get help from accessibility services advisors, learning strategists, team coaches and writing advisors.

Our Four Feathers Writing Guide is designed to support Indigenous students as academic writers. This guide was developed especially for Royal Roads students by Heron People Circle members Shirley Alphonse, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa and the late Nadine Charles, assisted by Theresa Bell, blended learning manager.

Personal support

We know that students benefit from nurturing their personal health and wellness while they engage in academic pursuits.   PIȾELÁNEW̱OT (Samantha) Etzel is a member of the Royal Roads counselling team.  She is from W̱SÁNEĆ territory and is a member of Tsawout First Nation.   PIȾELÁNEW̱OT's provides online counselling to students that is grounded in respect, trust, safety, empowerment, acceptance and care.  Visit Counsellors | Royal Roads University to learn more about her (and watch her introductory video).  

Financial support

Royal Roads has specific funding support for Indigenous students, and we can help connect you to other funders as well. Select “Indigenous” in the filter for “special audience” to see the specific awards available for Indigenous students.

Financial Aid and Awards staff are happy to help point you in the right direction if you’re looking for funding sources or to contact us.