Indigenous Circles of Support and Leadership Program (ICSLP)

Eat. Connect. Learn. Lead.

collage of student photos

The Indigenous Circles of Support and Leadership Program (ICSLP) is a unique, community-centred program designed to bring together Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) students at Western University from all years and disciplines. Whether you are in your first year adjusting to university life or completing your final year of study, ICSLP provides a welcoming space to share a meal, connect with peers, and build meaningful relationships with local Indigenous leaders, artists, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.

Through meaningful cultural engagement, leadership development opportunities, and networking with Indigenous leaders, ICSLP works to:

  • Create an inclusive community that values Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems.
  • Equip students with skills for leadership roles within both Indigenous and non-Indigenous contexts.
  • Help students navigate the academic environment while maintaining strong cultural and community ties.

What Happens in ICSLP?

Each two-hour session is split into two parts:

  • Hour 1: Hangout, share a meal, check-ins, or an activity with one another.
  • Hour 2: A guest speaker, workshop, or activity from the Indigenous Student Centre or our wider Indigenous community, anything from art and cooking to cultural teachings and leadership workshops.

Leadership & Extra-Curricular Experience

Participation in ICSLP also involves hands-on leadership development. Students are encouraged to complete 40 hours of extracurricular involvement from five categories:

  1. Indigenous Knowledge – Learning about cultural practices, teachings, and histories from Indigenous knowledge keepers.
  2. Health and Well-Being – Activities that promote mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.
  3. Academic Engagement – Opportunities to strengthen study skills, research abilities, and academic confidence.
  4. Career Development – Networking, mentorship, and skill-building activities to prepare for professional pathways.
  5. Leadership Engagement – Direct involvement in community organizing, event planning, and group facilitation.

Upon completion of the program, students can have their participation officially recognized on their Western University Co-Curricular Record, providing formal acknowledgment of their leadership and extracurricular accomplishments.

Program Objectives & Goals:

  • Promote Indigenous Knowledge as a foundation for personal and academic growth.
  • Support identity development for Indigenous students navigating both academic and cultural spaces.
  • Assist students in successfully transitioning to university life.
  • Foster a sense of community, belonging, and peer-to-peer support.
  • Connect students with Western’s Indigenous Student Centre and the vibrant Indigenous community of London, Ontario.
  • Build Indigenous-specific leadership models, values, and practices through experiential learning.
  • Equip students with leadership knowledge, skills, and experience applicable in diverse settings.
  • Model and encourage healthy, positive relationships.
  • Develop strong communication and effective conflict resolution skills.
  • Provide meaningful opportunities for campus involvement.
  • Shape the next generation of Indigenous leaders at Western University.

Past Fun and Creative Activities:

We keep things fresh every term, but here’s a taste of what we’ve done before:

  • Holistic wellness and stress-busting self-care sessions
  • Cultural teachings and storytelling
  • Corn husk doll and dreamcatcher workshops
  • Cooking traditional and modern dishes
  • Haudenosaunee social dancing and music nights
  • Game and Bingo nights
  • Art therapy and creative expression
  • Indigenous leadership talks and panels
  • Beading and Indigenous jewellery making workshops.

How to Join

Register Now

Deadline: October 1st (First Term) and January 7th (Second Term) at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
Missed the date? You can still join, but the days and times may not accomodate your schedule.

For more information, please contact:
Donna Noah (dnoah@uwo.ca)