Special Advisor to the Dean on Aboriginal Education

Suzanne L. Stewart is an assistant professor in the department of Adult Education and Counselling Psychology. Suzanne began her appointment at OISE in 2007, following completion of her PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her research and teaching expertise include Indigenous mental health and healing, and Indigenous pedagogies in education. Among other courses, she teaches Special Topics in Counselling Psychology: Integrating Traditional Healing Practices into Counselling and Psychotherapy. Suzanne coordinates the Indigenous Education Network based at OISE, and works within local Native communities and shares her experiences with regional, national, and international health and government organizations.

In her new role, Suzanne chairs a community-based Aboriginal Council to advise on institutional policies, procedures, practices and programs to ensure they reflect and respect the interests and needs of Aboriginal communities. This position was established in consultation with the Aboriginal scholars at OISE and with Anishnawbe Health Toronto, and was given the spiritual name Kitchae kaetae bojinanon (Great dreams from long ago) at a special naming ceremony last month. Suzanne was also given a new spiritual name, Medicine Hand, to help guide the success of the initiative.