Self-identification Durham College continues to support First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Metis and Inuit students from the beginning to the end of their college journey. Students who are members of these communities are highly encouraged to self-identify and connect with the First Peoples Indigenous Centre (Suswaaning Endaajig). This process is voluntary and confidential as outlined in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information will be used to identify students’ needs and help further support you through various services and resources. Self-Identifying helps: Connect you to an Indigenous coach providing students with a wide range of supports Connect you to funding opportunities through bursaries and scholarships Connect you with other students who have also self-identified Allow for continuity of learning and contributing towards a respectful community of Indigenous learners Keep you updated on various events and activities that are happening within the Indigenous community. Why Self-Identify? Being an individual who is recognized as “one of the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada” (Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982) including First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of Canada, self-identifying allows Durham College staff to guide you to connect with available services and further assist your transition to college life. By self-identifying you will be connected to an Indigenous coach from the First Peoples Indigenous Centre - Suswaaning Endaajig (FPIC) right from the beginning of your application process. Our staff will help support you and transition you through the admission/application process and guide you throughout your schooling until successful completion. The benefits to self-identifying as an Indigenous person include access to tools and resources, increased knowledge about Indigenous practices, invitations to programming activities and events offered by the Centre as well as building a sense of community and pride. How do I apply? You can complete the form provided at the bottom of this page, you also have the option of providing this information directly to the staff at FPIC. You can self-identify at any time throughout the year as a registered student at Durham College. Self-identification form Name* Student Number* DC email address* What program of study are you in?* Please identify* First Nations (status) First Nations (non-status) Metis Inuit Optional: Please specify your Nation CAPTCHANameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Self-Identification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Who can self-identify as an Indigenous person? Any student can self-identify as an Indigenous person if they believe they are related to or descended from the Indigenous peoples of Canada (First Nations, Métis or Inuit). Students may also identify using preferred terms that more accurately reflect their own definition or perception of identity. We highly encourage all students to self-identify who meet these guidelines. Who will have access to my identify information? All student information collected is legally protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of privacy Act. Office of the Registrar, Student Development and Financial Aid services would have access to this information. What will the College do with my information? Durham College uses the information in a variety of ways: You will be added to the mailing list of the First Peoples Indigenous Centre and you will receive timely messages regarding important dates and events offered at the FPIC and in community as well as the release of any bursary or scholarship opportunities. Durham College uses the information to officially report progress on goals related to Indigenous education to the Board of Governors and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Will proof of ancestry be required? Proof of ancestry is not be required to complete the self-identification process. Documentation may be required for eligibility for certain academic initiatives, scholarships and bursaries. Can I identify with more than one ancestry? Yes. You can find a list of definitions to help you accurately identify which group(s) you belong to in the question inquiring about Indigenous identity. Should none of those options accurately reflect your identity, we ask that you fill in the “alternative identity term category. Do I have to prove I’m Indigenous with any formal documents? This process is voluntary and you are not required to prove your Indigenous identity.