²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Us

Entrance lobby of the IEN. A book case is in the middle of the room, with offices on the right and couches on the left in the background.
²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Us

What We Do

The Indigenous Education Network (IEN) offers a range of programming specifically for Indigenous, Black-Indigenous and Black students. 

The IEN also offers programming open to anyone with an interest in anti-colonial and Indigenous education. Through this programming, we aim to create space for knowledge exchange and relationship building within and outside of ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ and the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½.

If you are a current Indigenous student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½), please complete to let us know what events/services you’d like to see from the IEN and to be added to the IEN mailing list.

Writing Supports

The IEN coordinates sessions with writing experts and coaches to help Indigenous, Black-Indigenous and Black students with their academic writing. This includes group writing workshops, individual coaching, and copyediting services.

Academic & Financial Advising

Navigating graduate school can be complicated and expensive. IEN staff carry institutional knowledge that can help you find the information and resources you are looking for. If we do not know the answer, we will connect you with someone who does. Please contact the IEN to make an appointment.

Social Gatherings

Laughing, eating and celebrating together is important to the IEN. Throughout the year, a range of social events will be organized that bring together people in our network. Past events include Rock-Your-Mocs, winter socials, tea times, student celebrations and more. Please let us know if you have event ideas that you’d like to see at the IEN. 

Learning with Scholars & Knowledge Keepers

The IEN hosts scholars, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural practitioners to help us advance perspectives in Indigenous teaching and learning. We convene learning spaces such as public talks and lectures, gatherings, lunch ‘n learns, student meals and drop-in sessions.

Indigenous Teaching & Support

The IEN hosts regular drop-in support sessions and medicine teachings each term. Contact the IEN to learn more.

Newsletter

The IEN distributes a newsletter that is sent our listserv subscribers. The newsletter includes upcoming IEN events, community events, scholarships and bursaries, employment opportunities and wellness resources. If you would like to join our listserv or share an opportunity with our network, send us an email at ien@utoronto.ca.

Our People

Dr. Jennifer Brant
IEN Faculty Chair
Dr. Jennifer Brant belongs to the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk Nation) with family ties to Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She is Associate Professor in Curriculum Teaching and Learning. Jennifer is also the founding director of the Indigenous Literatures Lab.
Mike Berg
Mike Berg
Coordinator, Indigenous Education Initiatives
Mike Berg is the Coordinator of the Indigenous Education Network at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½. He is Métis with his family originating from Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Mike has more than 13 years of working experience within postsecondary education.
Lisa Maracle
Lisa Maracle
IEN Administrator
Lisa is Mohawk and Ojibway, a member of The Bay of Quinte with ties to Serpent River First Nations. Lisa has a BA in Multicultural and Indigenous Studies and is currently working on her MEd. Lisa has over 10 years of experience working with Indigenous students in post-secondary education and has a passion in supporting students along their educational journey. Lisa is looking forward to working with the students at the IEN.
An icon of a person.
Grandmother Shirley (Shirley Gillis-Kendall)
Elder in Residence and Traditional Knowledge Keeper
Baedahben Nemki Kwe is Turtle Clan and a registered member of Alderville First Nation. Her mother was born into her father’s family--the Grays and she was raised in the Alderville community. Shirley’s maternal grandmother was from Six Nations with her lineage through Tyendenaga and Oneida.

Shirley has worked within the community for several decades specific to program development and implementation to honour one’s individual and familial journey on the path of inherent ‘good mind’ lifeways bundle reclamation. She holds in her heart bundle an immense love for all familial and community circles.

Grandmother Shirley’s current in-office hours within the IEN are as follows: Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with flexibility to align with IEN programming and student needs.