Our Team
The ISSC staff bring a combined total of over 60 years expertise in all areas of student services. We pride ourselves in offering fully rounded services.
Indigenous Student Services Manager
Sarah DeLaronde Atkinson
Office: 2L01D
Sarah leads a great team of people at ASSC who create a welcoming, caring community and a sense of belonging for the UW Indigenous student body. With community connections all over Manitoba, Sarah is rooted in culture and her bloodlines. She is Ininew, Salteaux and Metis, and a registered member of Pimicikamak Okimawin. Sarah is also a two-time alumnus of 51福利 and has previously worked in the Office of Indigenous Engagement. As a Coordinator, Sarah can also assist you by providing wraparound supports, that include strength-based academic advising, policy and systems navigation, and resource referrals.
Indigenous Student Support Officer / Academic Advisor
Jeffrey Booth
Office: 2L01B
Jeff provides academic advising for all Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students. He also facilitates the centre's cultural related programs and student activities, oversees the University Preparatory Program (UPP), our Elders-in-Residence, ISSC Student Ambassadors and establishes working relationships with prospective employers to provide informational sessions to students within the centre.
Transition Year Program Coordinator / Academic Advisor
Randy White
Office: 2L01A
As TYP Coordinator, Randy facilitates the application for admission process, provides assistance with timetabling and course selection, academic advising to first-year and returning Indigenous students on campus. He also coordinates the Mentor program and Tutorial services throughout the year.
Indigenous Student Liaison Officer
Jacqueline Thompson
Office: 2L02C
Jacqueline is a grateful member of Cega’kin Nakota Oyate, Carry The Kettle Assiniboine Nation, Treaty 4 Southern Canada. She is Urban Indigenous, raised in North Central, Regina, Saskatchewan. As a wiya of the Oceti Sakowin, Jacqueline follows the red road and the pow wow trail with her relatives across Turtle Island. She attended Scott Collegiate, First Nations University of Canada, Strathclyde Business School (Glasgow, Scotland), Ulsan University (Ulsan, South Korea) and is currently attending the University of Manitoba. Jacqueline praises her education journey for providing her with cultural and spiritual enrichment, cultivating her passion to serve her Nation’s youth. It’s Jacqueline’s passion to see Indigenous youth succeed, explore cultures, and enjoy lifelong learning. Some of the nations and youth Jacqueline has served include: Anishinaabe, Nehiyaw, Nakota, Dakota, Lakota, Metis, Inuit, Dene, Mi’kmaq, Kwakiutl, Rama, Chorotega and Settler.
As the Indigenous Liaison Officer, Jacqueline travels Indigenous Country to connect with: First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities; prospective students and families; attends career fairs; education events; cultural gatherings and youth movements. Please connect with Jacqueline for recruitment and engagement opportunities.
Red River Metis Inclusion Coordinator - MMF
Candice Allard
Office: 2L02B
We are priviledged to have Candice Allard as our Red River Métis Inclusion Coordinator in the Indigenous Student Services Centre. She grew up in the Southwest Region in the small Métis village of St. Ambroise, on Lake Manitoba which is known for its fishing, trapping, and marshland hunting.
Candice works oncampus to assist Red River Métis students with funding from the Manitoba Métis Federation and facilitates cultural events and workshops. She also teaches a regular beading class on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 pm to 2 pm open to everyone and all levels of experience. Keep an eye out for other events and workshops throughout the year.
Indigenous Counsellor
Vanessa Dorland
Phone: 204.786.9851
Office: 2L02C
Vanessa is a proud member of Sagkeeng First Nation, where she was born and raised until the age of 15. After completing her high school education in Winnipeg, she studied childcare at Red River College and gained extensive experience as a resource worker with Child and Family Services. Later, as an adult learner in the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Manitoba, Vanessa recognized the critical importance of student support in achieving academic success. This insight inspired her commitment to helping students attain their education. For over a decade, she has dedicated her career to supporting adult students at Manitoba Indian Education Association (MIEA), the Aboriginal Community Campus, and Urban Circle Training Centre, where she has played a key role in fostering educational growth and empowerment.
Vanessa is excited to be part of the Indigenous Student Services team. She invites you to stop by and say hello; she will be available on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 3 PM in the ISSC (2L02C).
To connect with us:
204.786.9865
Administrative Office Location/Mailing Address:
2L01 - Lockhart Hall
515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9
Indigenous Student Lounge Location:
2L02 - Lockhart Hall
515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9