The Council

Tanisi!

Lauren Aimoe nitsiyihkâson. My name is Lauren Aimoe. Oci niya Assin’skowitiniwak and Âpihtawikosisân. I am from the people of the rocky area (Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation) and the Métis of Rivière aux Îlets-de-Bois. I am a 4th year undergraduate student at the University of Victoria taking a combined major in Neurobiology and Psychology with a minor in Indigenous Studies!

I love all things neuroscience and have found my passion at the intersections between medicine and Indigenous studies. I am currently crazy about triathlons and have even bought cycling bib shorts (its crazy, I know). I have two frenchies, Bellamy and Talouse, who are my favourite study buddies.

I am very chatty and always love to meet more of the Indigenous community at UVic. Please badger me with your questions!!!

Tansi, 

Jacob Smallboy nitisiyhkason. Hi, my name is Jacob my pronouns are he/him and I am Plains Cree from Maskwacis Alberta. I'm very thankful to be here at UVic, and I am currently pursuing a dual major of Biology and Environmental Studies. 

I am excited to be the administrative councilor here at the NSU and I look forward to working with everyone! Generally, you can find me in the FPH or the NSU room working on school projects, or in any of the science buildings. Say hi when you see me!

Hey, 

My name is Sydney Griffith. I was born on the traditional territory of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nation. For the majority of my life, I was raised on the lands of the unceded territory of the Stz’uminus peoples. I am now living as an uninvited guest on the traditional lands of the Esquimalt nations, which was once inhabited by the Swenghwung (also known as the Songhees) and the Xwsepsum (sometimes spelled Kosapsum). During my time in Matoolia (Victoria, BC), I am continuing my education through a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria. This institution stands on the land which was once inhabited by the Cheko’nein, the Chilkowetch/Hwyuwmilth and the Teechamitsa/Tsuli’lhchu families.

Yaws! Weyt-k, Hello! 

My name is Tiffany Friesen. I am from the Nuxalk Nation from Bella Coola, BC, on my mother's side, and Ojibwe-Cree from Sandy Bay, Manitoba, on my father's side. I was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Tkemlups Te Secwepemc people. 

At UVIC, I completed my first year in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program and will be entering my second year in the fall. I am super excited to join the Native Student Union as a Councillor-at-Large for the 2024/2025 school term. I look forward to meeting you all this school year! You can find me hanging out at the First People's House chatting with the elders, and participating in events with the NSU and Campus cousins. 

Hello, my name is Anakin and I'm an Indigenous youth with familial relations to the Songhees, Esquimalt, and Haida nations. I'm in the process of completing a BSc with a double major in Biology and Environmental Studies at UVic. 

In my spare time you can find me outside on the land or at home spending time with my partner and our pets. I love hiking, sailing, good company, and good food.

Tânisi! 

Ava Pettman nitisiyihkâson. Hi! My name is Ava Pettman. 

I use she/they pronouns. I’m Plains Cree from Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan and mixed settler on my dad’s side, and Plains Cree from Tallcree First Nation in Northern Alberta and Ukrainian on my mom’s side. However, I grew up in 100 Mile House located on the lands of the Tsq’escenemc within unceded Secwepemcúl’ecw. 

I’m currently in my second year here at UVic studying History, and am excited to be a Councilor-at-large for our Native Students Union for the 2024/2025 term! If you see me please feel welcome to say hi and chat! I love music (particularly 80s alternative/new wave), horror movies, and microbiology. 

kîtwâm ka-wâpamitin

tānisi shirina evans nitisiyihkāson (hello, my name is Shirina Evans). kayahtê mistahi-sākahikanihk ohci niya (I am originally from Lac La Ronge) and I am a Two-Spirit Woodland nêhiyaw iskwêw (cree woman). 

In the fall of 2023 I will be in my second year of the JID/JD law progam at the University of Victoria. I have a BA in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan and an Indigenous Language Certificate from the First Nations University of Canada. 

Tansi,

My name is Anagya Grace Durohcer. I am Cree-Metis originally from Peace River, Alberta and a first-generation Afro-Caribbean Jamaican immigrant to Turtle Island. I also have mixed European (Scottish, French and English) settler ancestry. I was born and raised on the East Coast on Mississauga’s of the Credit, Anishanbeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee and Wendat territory. Today, I am a guest and learner on lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ homelands, I raise my hands to the people of these beautiful lands for the family and community I have found here. 

I am a Third-year Undergraduate Indigenous Studies Major and Art Education Minor. Some of my interests are food, art (music, visuals, textiles, and more), emotions, anime, and biking. You can often find me with friends, listening to music, running around the First Peoples House or UVSS, and, most of all, giggling. 

I am extremely grateful to be able to represent and advocate for the needs of Indigenous students here at UVic! If there is anything that I can help you with I will try my hardest! Hiy hiy ^_−☆