ISC Staff Listing - Indigenous Student Centre

Welcome to the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)!

Our team is dedicated to providing wholistic student support grounded in helping, serving, and connecting through Indigenous ways of knowing. Whether you are just beginning your journey at Western or preparing to graduate, our team is here to help you navigate the university experience and find community on campus.

The ISC is part of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at Western, under the leadership of the Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives).

Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth

Director, Indigenous Engagement

Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 83240
Email: phedgepe@uwo.ca

Sheku, I am Haudenosaunee from the Oneida Nation of the Thames, Wolf Clan. My work focuses on advancing Indigenousled initiatives, strengthening community relationships, and ensuring culturally grounded academic supports. I enjoy Powwow dancing and family time.

Portfolio: Wampum Learning Lodge, Indigenous Student Centre, Indigenous Engagement
Contact me about: Indigenous Policies and Procedures, community engagement, or highlevel Indigenous student needs.

Mandy Bragg (she/her)

Academic Advisor

Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 84033
Email: abragg22@uwo.ca

Koola Maalsi! I am Lenape Wolf clan from Munsee-Delaware Nation, and I am the Indigenous Student Centre Academic Advisor. The ISC is committed to fostering a supportive and healthy learning environment to help you and your peers navigate the university experience in a good and healthy way. Please drop by, we are happy that you are here, and we are here for you!

Portfolio: Student Support and Advocacy
Contact me about: Guidance for course selection and progression, accommodations, and personal, academic and cultural supports.

Arielle Bressette (she/her)

Manager, Indigenous Admissions and Enrollment

Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 89176
Email: abresse2@uwo.ca

I am from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. I support prospective and incoming Indigenous students as they explore post-secondary pathways and navigate the admissions process at Western. My work centres on building relationships with communities and helping students feel prepared and confident as they begin university. I am a proud Western alum and am honoured to serve Indigenous students and communities.

Portfolio: Indigenous student recruitment & outreach, admissions pathways & application support, transition supports for incoming students
Contact me about: Applying to Western as an Indigenous student; Indigenous admissions pathways; recruitment visits, events, and partnerships

Marisa Cabral (she/her)

Community Enhancement Coordintor

Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 88567
Email: mgeris@uwo.ca

She:koli, my name is Marisa. I am a Haudenosaunee woman from Oneida Nation of the Thames with Mi’kmaq ancestry. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from King’s University College and a Police Foundations diploma from Fanshawe College. My role creates opportunities for Indigenous Youth to experience Western University through various programming.

Portfolio: Indigenous youth intiatives
Contact me about: Indigenous Youth Track & Field Day; Mini-University; Indigenous Youth Visits to Campus

Donnie Johnson (he/him)

Administrative Assistant

Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 89033
Email: djohn227@uwo.ca

Hello, my name is Donnie. I am a member of the Tuscarora Nation from the Six Nations of the Grand River. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from Western and am currently completing my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. My role supports day-to-day administrative tasks, keeping things running smoothly for students, staff, and visitors. In my spare time, I like to read and try new recipes.

Portfolio: ISC Newsletter; ISC Student Nutrition Program; ISC Administrative Support
Contact me about: General inquiries; newsletter and event updates; connecting with the right ISC staff member

Ashley Kewayosh Samuel (she/her)

Student Opportunities Coordinator

Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 85731
Email: akewayos@uwo.ca

I grew up on Bkejwanong Unceded Territory surrounded by water and my family. For 17+ years I have been supporting Western students in their university journey. I do my best to ensure that students feel welcome, connected and find what they need. I love being with family, crafting (beading, sewing, crochet) and being in the bush or by the water.

Portfolio: Indigenization of the student experience (RiverFest); Events in the ISC; Weekly newsletter to Indigenous students
Contact me about: Promoting to Indigenous students; booking an event with the ISC; Indigenous student card access to ISC and/or Wampum Learning Lodge; Indigenous students booking a Visiting Elder or Cultural Knowledge Keeper appointment.

Donna Noah (néeka/she/her)

Financial Aid Coordinatior

Telephone: 519-661-2111 ext. 86437
Email: dnoah@uwo.ca

Kuwiinguneewalohmwa, I am Lunaapeew (Lenape), Bear Clan from Munsee Delaware Nation. I am the Indigenous Financial Aid Coordinator and facilitate the Indigenous Circles of Support and Leadership Program (ICSLP), supporting Indigenous students in building community and transitioning to university. In my spare time, I am a bead artist, staying grounded in culture and community.

Portfolio: Indigenous Financial Aid Opportunities, Indigenous Circles of Support and Leadership Program, National Indigenous Scholarship Program, Local First Nations Scholarship Program
Contact me about: Financial Aid, Indigenous Circles of Support and Leadership Program, OSAP and funding opportunities

Meet the rest of our team!

Learn more about the Office of Indigenous Initiatives team on the OII staff page.

OII staff page