Welcome Indigenous Students!
We're so happy you're here. We have a wealth of supports available to you, with the flexibility of connecting virtually or in-person. Learn more about these here!
Indigenous Advising
Boozhoo, Shannon Beckstead nindišinikāz, nindōdem makwag, nīndōnjī Minegoziibe Anishinabe.
Hi everyone, my name is Shannon Beckstead. I am Bear clan, and a proud member of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation, Treaty 2 territory).
I am the Indigenous Advisor at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre at Queen’s University for the 2024-2025 academic year. My educational background is varied but deeply rooted in helping others in a well-rounded way: Behavioural Psychology and Recreation Therapy. I look forward to helping you, as well!
I support Indigenous students with academics, financial aid, housing, free tutoring services, career counselling, advising, personal skill development (e.g. study skills, goal setting, time management, etc.) and more. I can also be your connection to all the resources and supports available across campus. My goal is to facilitate the well-being and success of Indigenous students at Queen’s by supporting them in living a healthy, balanced life: academically, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As the Indigenous Advisor, I coordinate:
- The Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE) program
- Gather Together programs and lifeskills workshops
- Our Indigenous Peer Mentoring Program
- Ohsahè:ta Program
- Tutoring
- Hiring and supervision of our Student Leader positions!
To contact Shannon please email her at shannon.beckstead@queensu.ca
Cultural Counselling
Lisa Doxtator is Oneida from the Thames, and Mohawk from Six Nations. She sits with the Bears. Lisa is the Cultural Counsellor at Four Directions, a position that is fully integrated with Student Wellness Services.
Lisa provides individual/group counselling and therapy and offers wellness and cultural programming to Indigenous students. Lisa has a social work background, with experience in trauma and recovery, and is a registered mental health professional. Lisa positions her therapeutic technique within an Indigenous worldview that acknowledges and validates Indigenous students' experiences and histories.
To contact Lisa please email her at lmd9@queensu.ca