Our mission is to work closely with all faculties and services to develop initiatives that support and benefit Indigenous students. We provide services that support your classroom, career, and personal needs in a manner consistent with Indigenous cultures and values to help make your educational experience positive and successful.

It is important that we acknowledge Acadia University is located in Mi’kma’ki, homeland of the Mi’kmaq. We acknowledge the Treaties of Peace and Friendship and we thank the Mi’kmaw people for their generosity in sharing their homeland with us.

Your Coordinator

Zabrina Whitman is Mi’kmaq and a band member of Glooscap First Nation. She holds a bachelor's degree in social sciences from the University of Ottawa, and in 2013 she completed her Master of Arts at Queen’s University in global development studies.

She has worked for a variety of organizations on topics ranging from First Nation education partnerships to good governance, intergovernmental affairs, and international security and political stability.

Whitman sits on the Senate at Acadia University and is the co-chair of the President’s Indigenous Education Council. She is excited to be working as the Coordinator of Indigenous Affairs. Her position is part of a formal partnership with Glooscap First Nation and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and Acadia University to support all Indigenous students at the University.

We can provide information and guidance on the following:

Our staff assist in the management and maintenance of Welkaqnik, events related to Indigenous peoples, and the Indigenous Students Resource Centre.

Student Handbook

Support for Non-Indigenous Students

Non-Indigenous students are always welcome to contact us when seeking information and a better understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture and heritage, or for assistance with research projects. Acadia's "Working With Indigenous Peoples" handbook is also a helpful resource.