Throughout a student’s education at Humber College, Indigenous Education and Engagement (IE&E) is a place for Indigenous learners to be supported and feel connected to their learning environment – academically, culturally and socially.  

Humber is committed to Indigenous learners and building mino nawendiwin, or “good relationships,” with the communities the college engages, both on and off campus, as well as from when they enter Humber’s classrooms to long after they leave.

Indigenous graduates of Humber College looking to remain connected and engaged with the college’s community can participate in a new initiative from IE&E that helps maintain and nurture those relationships after graduation.

The department has launched an Indigenous Alumni Circle that’s currently looking for new members. It will host regular meetings throughout the year – which will be offered in-person and virtually – and will organize professional development, networking and other events and activities both on and off campus.

Quazance Boissoneau, manager with IE&E, said throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the department experienced an increase in the number of alumni participating in its virtual programming. Boissoneau says many were searching for a stronger connection to community following prolonged periods of isolation and the alumni circle is a way to continue to provide that connection as campus life returns.

“We are proud of our alumni who are leading in their industries, and we wanted to give them platforms to share their journeys and success stories while also providing opportunities for collaboration and to remain connected,” said Boissoneau.

The circle will also include a Member Committee comprised of seven Alumni Circle members who will provide visioning and feedback on Indigenous alumni programming, events, and community engagement.

Boissoneau said being part of the circle or its member committee will give alumni experience if they want to pursue other opportunities to sit on boards or committees and is something they can put on their resumes. It will also help IE&E further develop a network of mentors and speakers.

Events, initiatives and meeting information from the Indigenous Alumni Circle will be posted on the IE&E website and on its LinkedIn group page.

Those interested in joining can complete the sign-up form. For more information about the Indigenous Alumni Circle, email Indigenous@humber.ca.