OCAD University is Canada’s biggest art and design university, located in downtown Toronto ‘The Meeting Place’. Toronto is home to a growing community of Indigenous movers and shakers with deep-rooted histories in collaboration.
In the spirit of reciprocity, care and community, OCAD U is committed to maintaining and growing our relationships with Indigenous communities and peoples. We are here to provide programming and support for doers and makers interested in art and design. We welcome your collaborations by:
- Co-creating workshops with us
- Sharing supports and resources for Indigenous learners
- Inviting portfolio mentors and admissions specialists for information sessions and more
The Indigenous OCAD U community thrives on a network of like-minded artists, activists, elders, faculty and staff. Indigenous OCAD U influences and reaches far outside of campus from high schools and community organizations, to aunties and grandmothers. Our community is open and welcoming - reach out, tune in and connect with us!
Connect with us
Mailing List
Want to learn more about our programs, application process, events, portfolio building opportunities, dates and deadlines coming up? Join our mailing list to learn more.
Indigenous Communities Outreach and Mailing List
Get information on:
- Application updates and admission requirements
- Portfolio support and classroom resources for art and design
- Professional development opportunities and information sessions for guidance counsellors and teachers
Virtual Community Visit Request Form
The Admissions & Recruitment team is here to support our education partners and are always developing new ways help you prepare your students for post-secondary opportunities in art and design. Request a virtual appointment/presentation with our recruitment team.
The Indigenous Student Centre offers a welcoming environment with a wide range of specialized services to support academic, cultural, social and emotional well-being of Indigenous students at OCAD University.
Reach out to Student Success Coordinator Reagan Kennedy rkennedy [at] ocadu.ca to set up a virtual appointment or to get your questions answered.
More Ways to Connect
As part of the APSIP collective of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) representatives from over 30 post-secondary institutes we collaborate and plan a 12-week post-secondary education tour. Find out more…
Indigenous students find their home-away-from-home at our Indigenous Students Centre (ISC), which offers events, advising, counselling and resources that engage and build community. The centre provides a welcoming and learning environment featuring a wide range of specialized services to support the academic, cultural, social and emotional well-being of Indigenous students at OCAD U.
The Indigenous Visual Culture (INVC) program honours the creative traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit art and design practices. In this 4 year Bachelor of Fine Art program you will deepen your understanding of the visual, cultural, social, and political histories of Indigenous peoples.
Links/Resources
Housing Resources
Are you moving to Toronto or living outside of the city? If you would like assistance with locating a housing coordinator or resources in your area, please contact our Student Success Coordinator Reagan Kennedy rkennedy [at] ocadu.ca to set up a virtual appointment.
Native Youth Resource Centre
The NYRC supports Indigenous community members aged 16-29 with housing advocacy, viewings, first/last month’s rent supports, acquiring furniture, viewings, tenant rights and more! Contact: Sherry Clemens (Housing Advocate) sclemens [at] nativechild.org NYRC Drop-In 416-969-8510 ext. 4119, 655 Bloor Street West. To view their presentation from the OCAD U Housing Info Fair click here!
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
Indigenous community members ages 25+ can receive support with housing, holistic wellness, service navigation and financial support. Contact: Bella Lafontaine (Adult Case Manager) Bella.Lafontaine [at] ncct.on.ca Reception 416-964-9087, 16 Spadina Road (Bloor & Spadina) https://ncct.on.ca/
Wigwamen
Wigwamen is a non-profit and charitable organization, is Ontario’s oldest and largest urban Aboriginal housing provider. With 214 units scattered throughout the City of Toronto, a 92-unit apartment building for families and singles in Scarborough, a 60-unit apartment building in Northeast Scarborough, a 103-unit apartment complex for seniors in downtown Toronto, a 41-unit apartment building in Ottawa, a 145-unit apartment building in the Canary District of Toronto, and a 115-unit apartment building in Scarborough, Wigwamen is committed to providing decent, safe and affordable housing to thousands of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families, singles and seniors.
