Important Notice: The Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) website has moved from https://aboriginal.info.yorku.ca/ to https://www.yorku.ca/vpepc/ciss. Please update any bookmarks, documents, emails, or other references that still point to the previous URL. Using the new web address will help ensure continued access to the most current information and resources.
Boozhoo, She:kon, Tunngasugit, Wachay, Taansi, Greetings
About CISS
The Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) is a welcoming and inclusive space for Indigenous students attending York University. Through culturally grounded supports, programming, services, events, and community spaces, CISS fosters student well-being and success throughout each unique educational journey.
Join the CISS Community!
CISS warmly welcomes students who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis to register with the Centre. Indigenous-identifying students from outside of Canada and friends of CISS are invited to spend time at CISS, build community, and connect with others!
To register with CISS, First Nations, Inuit and Métis students can complete the CISS registration form here. Once registered, students can scan the QR code provided in the form to request access to the Centre through their YU Card.
Meet the Team
Holly LaForme
Manager, Indigenous Student Services
Holly is an Anishinaabe member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, bringing experience in student services, recruitment, Indigenous governance, advocacy and community engagement across post-secondary and public sector environments.
A University of Guelph alumna, Holly is passionate about supporting life-long learning, student success, fostering inclusive learning environments, and strengthening relationships with students, communities, and institutional partners.
Dayna Towers
Indigenous Student Support Specialist
Dayna is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. She is a University of Toronto alumna and a graduate of York University’s inaugural Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education Program (2020).
After teaching with the Toronto District School Board, Dayna joined York University as the Indigenous Initiatives Lead in 2022. She now serves as the Indigenous Student Support Specialist at the Centre for Indigenous Student Services, where she supports students through guidance and connection to resources within and outside of York, as well as developing and delivering cultural and academic programming's.
Dayna brings a strong commitment to culturally responsive education and student support, with passions grounded in decolonial practices, harm reduction, and land rights.
Sophia Pettit
Indigenous Student Recruitment Officer
Sophia supports Indigenous student recruitment at York University, where she works to connect prospective Indigenous students with meaningful opportunities, support, and community at York.
A graduate of Peace and Conflict Studies at University of Waterloo, Sophia’s background includes advocacy and community-based work alongside refugees, women experiencing gender-based violence, children and youth, and Indigenous communities, including literacy programming for Inuit children and youth in Inukjuak.
Through reconnecting with her own ancestry and growing up alongside her relatives, Sophia developed a passion for bringing a thoughtful and relationship-centered approach to her work; which includes supporting, advocating for, and welcoming Indigenous students to York.
Marissa Weekes-Dane
Indigenous Student Success Lead
Marissa is a fourth-year Geography student in York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change and a Student Success Mentor within the Centre for Indigenous Student Services' Work-Study program. Marissa brings experience in peer mentorship, student leadership, and supporting first-generation students through their transition to university life.
As a Métis student, Marissa is passionate about Indigenous student success and creating welcoming spaces where students feel supported and connected. Her academic interests include decolonial education, Indigenous place-making, and environmental justice. In her role, she looks forward to helping incoming and current Indigenous students build community, access resources, and build a strong sense of belonging at York
Planning Your Visit
Located in 246 York Lanes, the Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) provides a welcoming space where Indigenous students can connect with community, access supports, and participate in cultural and academic programming.
*This short video offers a step-by-step guide to finding CISS and the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages (CIKL) on campus. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking to learn more about Indigenous spaces at York, we invite you to stop by and explore the resources available to you.
Quick Links
Connect With CISS
Have questions or want to learn more about our programs, services, and community? The Centre for Indigenous Student Services is here to support you. Reach out to our team or visit us in person.
Centre Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10am - 4pm
Friday: Closed (Virtual Appt. Only)