Student Supports

Welcome Indigenous Students!

We're so happy you're here. We have a wealth of supports available to you, with the flexibility of connecting virtually or in-person. Learn more about these here!

Indigenous Advising

Boozhoo, Shannon Beckstead nindišinik�z, nind�dem makwa, nīnd�njī Minegoziibe Anishinabe, minwaa niin ayaan inawemak Misko Ziibii Aabtaagoshaanuk.

Hi everyone, my name is Shannon Beckstead. I am Bear clan, and a proud member of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation, Treaty 2 territory/Treaty 4 signatory), with familial ties to the Red River Métis via Duck Bay.

I am the Indigenous Advisor at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre at Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic year. My educational background is varied but deeply rooted in helping others in a well-rounded way: Behavioural Psychology and Recreation Therapy. I look forward to helping you, as well!

I support Indigenous students with academics, financial aid, housing, free tutoring services, career counselling, advising, personal skill development (e.g. study skills, goal setting, time management, etc.) and more. I can also be your connection to all the resources and supports available across campus. My goal is to facilitate the well-being and success of Indigenous students at Âé¶¹¹Ù꿉۪s by supporting them in living a healthy, balanced life: academically, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As the Indigenous Advisor, I coordinate:

  • The Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE) program 
  • Gather Together programs and lifeskills workshops
  • Our Indigenous Peer Mentoring Program 
  • Ohsahè:ta Program
  • Tutoring
  • Hiring and supervision of our Student Leader positions!

To contact Shannon please email her at shannon.beckstead@queensu.ca

 

Indigenous Student Counselling

a photo of a young Indigenous woman smiling. she is in front of a cedar tree.

"Shé:kon! My name is Hannah Bull (she/her), and I am Mohawk, Bear Clan, with European ancestry. My father’s family has English heritage and my mother’s family is from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory."

Hannah brings many years of experience in mental health promotion, advocacy and community-based work. Hannah holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.  

 As a counsellor, Hannah values self-determination and works alongside individuals to explore what feels meaningful to them, without judgement. Her practice is trauma-informed, strengths-based, anti-oppressive and rooted in collaboration and cultural humility. She brings a relational approach in her use of modalities such as Internal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. 

 Outside of work, Hannah loves visiting with family and friends, hanging out with her cat, and spending time outdoors! 

To book an appointment with Hannah, please email her at hannah.bull@queensu.ca or register using

Elder Support

a photo of an older woman, an Indigenous elder in a purple top. she is wearing glasses and smiling, standing in front of a tree

Betty Carr-Braint is a Mohawk wolf clan member of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. She is a mother and a Tota.

Betty Carr-Braint has her Masters of Social Work, Indigenous Based from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a certified Grief Recovery Specialist through the Grief Recovery Institute. She obtained her Indigenous Addictions Services Certificate from Nechi Institute. She worked in her community for Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte for twenty-six years, in various roles, including as the Assistant Manager, Traditional Practitioner, and Community Wellness Worker at Red Cedars Shelter, and as the Program Manager of the Enyonkwa’nikonhriyohake’ (Good Minds) Program.

At Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre at Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Betty is the Elder-In-Residence and previously at Trent University in the role of Cultural Counsellor at First Peoples House of Learning.

Elder Betty supports students with cultural teachings, ceremonies, cultural support, works alongside the Firekeepers offering cooking over the fire; and supports other programs as requested.

To contact Betty please email her at bfcb@queensu.ca

 

Other Supports

Self Identification

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Funding Options

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Indigenous Peer Mentor Program

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Office of Indigenous Initiatives

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