Supporting Indigenous Students

The Indigenous Community at Carleton

Each year we welcome over 600 First Nation, Métis and Inuit students into the Carleton community.

Carleton’s Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement provides safe spaces for dialogue and learning through cultural activities and events, inclusive spaces and student supports. Their team connects students to Indigenous faculty and staff who are eager to support them on their learning journey. They also deliver resources and training to educate the Carleton community about the experiences, histories and worldviews of Indigenous peoples.

Four students walking together in the Academic Quad.

Awards and financial aid for Indigenous students

For a list of the many awards offered to Indigenous students coming to Carleton, visit our Awards website. These awards are in additional to general bursary and scholarship opportunities available to prospective students.

Indigenous Enriched Support Program

The Indigenous Enriched Support Program (IESP) is designed for Indigenous learners who wish to pursue post-secondary education in a culturally supportive environment. Students take first-year credit courses while benefitting from holistic supports, including peer mentors, academic coaches, academic advising and personalized workshops. Upon completion of the program, students will qualify and be supported in applying for a degree program.

The IESP is ideal for students who do not meet the full admissions criteria for a degree program, are unsure which program they wish to pursue, are returning to school after some time away, or are simply looking for additional support during the transition to post-secondary education.

For more information, visit the IESP website.

students studying in library with professor

Meet the Indigenous Initiatives Recruitment Coordinator

My name is Kaitlin Ransom and I am the Indigenous Initiatives Recruitment Coordinator at Carleton University.

A little about me and how I help Indigenous students transition to university studies at Carleton

I am Algonquin and my family roots are from Pikwàkanagàn (Golden Lake First Nation). My role is to support Indigenous students on their journey to Carleton and ensure a smooth and peaceful transition. No matter where you are in your post-secondary journey, I’m here to answer any questions you might have about being a student at Carleton!

Have questions about coming to Carleton?
Reach out to me at any time at kaitlin.ransom@carleton.ca.

Indigenous applicants can also book a virtual advising appointment with me on Thursdays between 2:00 and 5:30 p.m. (ET). Join me to get your questions answered and learn more about the next steps in your journey to Carleton!

Photo of Kaitlin Joyce, Indigenous Initiatives Recruitment Coordinator

Students working together in the Future Learning Lab.

Kinàmàgawin: Learning Together

Carleton is committed to reinvigorating efforts to support Indigenous learners and bring Indigenous knowledge into classrooms. The launch of — a long-term Indigenous strategy with 41 Calls to Action — signifies an important milestone in shaping a more welcoming space for Indigenous students and faculty members within the Carleton community.

More information

Please refer to our Indigenous Student Viewbook which outlines the many resources available to Indigenous students at Carleton. For questions about being an Indigenous student at Carleton, please reach out to Kaitlin Ransom, Indigenous Initiatives Recruitment Coordinator, at kaitlin.ransom@carleton.ca.

The work of the Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement at Carleton is guided by a deep connection with ancestral teachings and recognition of the Algonquin People within whose territory the office is located. For more information about the Centre, please visit Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement or email indigenous@carleton.ca.