From: Sandy Welsh, Vice Provost, Students
Date: May 21, 2019
Re: Appointment of Shannon Simpson as Director, Indigenous Student Services (PDAD&C #84)

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Shannon Simpson as Director, Indigenous Student Services (formerly Aboriginal Student Services) effective immediately. In this role, she will provide stewardship of First Nations House which offers culturally relevant services to Indigenous students and learning opportunities for all students to engage with Indigenous communities within the University of Toronto and beyond.

Shannon has been serving as Acting Director for the past two years, during which time she has undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance the academic, spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of Indigenous students. Shannon has been very involved in discussions to increase the visibility of First Nations House through signage and enhanced physical space. She also collaborated on the 25th First Nations House Anniversary celebrations, including an Elders Gathering and Indigenous Education Week. Most recently, Shannon has been exploring opportunities to increase student engagement through cultural programming and has also launched the Indigenous Outreach and Recruitment Network.

Shannon holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in Women’s Studies from Concordia University and York University, respectively. While pursuing her master’s, Simpson worked at Anduhyaun and Nekenaan – a shelter and supportive housing facility for Indigenous women and children in Toronto. After working with families there for six years, she opted for a career change and joined the team in First Nations House at the University of Toronto. Since coming to the University, Shannon Simpson has held various staff roles at First Nations House and also worked in the University College Registrar’s office.  She grew up in Wingham, Ont., but her home community is Alderville First Nation, situated between Lake Ontario and Rice Lake.

Please join me in congratulating Shannon on this appointment. 

For further information please contact:

Heather Kelly
Senior Director, Student Success, Student Life
heather.kelly@utoronto.ca