Aanii, Boozhoo, Koolamalsi, Shekoli, Shekon, Tansi

The Department of Indigenous Initiatives

The Assistant Vice President of Indigenous Initiatives is responsible for amplifying Indigenous voices, advancing Indigenous scholarship, and promoting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledges and languages within all aspects of university life. Our commitments include creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, supporting Indigenous students, staff, and faculty, raising awareness of Indigenous presence, acknowledging and responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and cultivating respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples both on and off campus.

Indigenous Initiatives Team

Assistant Vice President Indigenous Initiatives

Audrey Rochette

Audrey Rochette is Anishinaabe from Waabadowgang-Whitesand First Nation and the daughter of a residential school survivor.

She was the Associate Vice President Indigenous Engagement & Education External at Sheridan College; the Director, Indigenous Initiatives, at George Brown College and currently sits on several committees in different sectors committed to reconciliation work.

Audrey’s passion for Indigenous relations was cultivated in her work with Indspire and imagineNATIVE, the largest Indigenous film festival in the world.

Audrey holds of Bachelor of Arts (Honours), and a Master of Arts both from the University of Toronto.

avpii@yorku.ca

Indigenous Initiatives Lead

Dayna Towers

Dayna Towers is an Anishinaabe Kwe, a member of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation with a mixed Irish and Scottish background. She completed an Hon. Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, Geography, and Canadian Studies at the University of Toronto in 2019 then graduated from the first Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education Program at York University in 2020. After one year of successfully teaching with the TDSB, she joined the Division of Equity, People and Culture at York University. Education, decolonial work, harm reduction and land rights are some of the passions she brings to her role as Indigenous Initiatives Lead.

dtowers@yorku.ca

Featured Sites

Indigenous Framework Review

York's Indigenous Framework Review evaluates progress, identifies challenges, and proposes actions to enhance Indigenous community engagement, aligning with York's values, Academic Plan, and sustainability goals.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Marking four years since its establishment, this day prompts reflection on honoring Calls to Action, fostering learning, sharing knowledge, and driving meaningful change.

National Indigenous History Month

June celebrates Indigenous peoples’ histories, cultures, and contributions. Engage with stories, events, and learning opportunities while honoring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.