Aahwaatkamooksi peer mentorship program
Aahwaatkamooksi is a mentorship program for Indigenous students that offers access to older students and Elders in the community to support their academic, personal and cultural growth.
The Blackfoot-Siksika word Aahwaatkamooksi translates in English to "creating friendships".
About
The Aahwaatkamooksi Peer Mentorship Program provides specialized, holistic support to Indigenous students to reduce attrition rates and create leadership opportunities while increasing overall educational attainment in art, craft and design education.
This program encourages making strong friendships with other Indigenous students to help navigate programs, resources and supports on and off campus. It also provides academic, personal, and cultural support between Indigenous students, with facilitators and Elders, and encourages well-being spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In partnership with the Lodgepole Center, Peer Mentors are passionate about building community and creating brave spaces for Indigenous students to share their work and be successful at AUArts.
Senior Indigenous students (Mentors) support their peers and help newer students transition into post-secondary by working with elders, the Lodgepole Center, and other Indigenous students.
Contact the Lodgepole Center at lodgepolecenter@auarts.ca for more information or learn more on the Student Success Centre.
