Toronto Film School Seeking Applications for Indigenous Student Advisory Council

Toronto Film School is seeking Indigenous-identifying students interested in joining its Indigenous Student Advisory Council.

Co-chaired by Jessica Gruchy, Manager of Indigenous Partnerships and Engagement, and Deanna McQuarrie, Vice President of Student and Registrarial Services, the Indigenous Students Advisory Council (ISAC) is an up-to-10-member body that was created via a collaborative and consultative process to address the specific needs of Indigenous students.

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“The Indigenous Student Advisory Council is an important opportunity for us to hear directly from Indigenous students about their experiences at Toronto Film School and Yorkville University. By creating space for dialogue and collaboration, we hope to strengthen belonging, inclusion, and reconciliation across our community,” McQuarrie said.

“When students have an opportunity to share their perspective, they help shape a more responsive and inclusive learning environment. Their voices are essential in guiding us toward meaningful progress on our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation.”

The ISAC aims to be representative of diverse Indigenous TFS and Yorkville students, who will assist Gruchy and McQuarrie in leading organizational Indigenization strategic plan initiatives, as well as helping to develop networks amongst Indigenous students and safe spaces to voice their perspectives on their student experience.

“All Indigenous-identifying students are welcome to apply regardless of Indigenous status. We are seeking diverse representation within the Indigenous community – First Nations, Métis and Inuit,” said Gruchy, a Mi’kmaq member of the Qalipu First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Each Indigenous student has a unique lived experience and can make a valuable addition to this council.”

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Each of the student members of the ISAC will be expected to attend monthly meetings (and potentially some ad-hoc meetings) with their fellow ISAC members, for an approximate time commitment of two to five hours each month.

In addition to providing their input into related decision-making, initiatives, policies and practices, student members will also have the opportunity to build community amongst other Indigenous students within a safe space.

All Indigenous-identifying applicants are welcome, regardless of Indigenous status. If you have a passion and interest in Indigenous inclusion issues and also bring knowledge and lived experience of such matters, please read TFS’s ISAC Terms of Reference and fill out an application form.

All applications must be submitted by October 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). Short-listed candidates will be invited for a virtual interview with the co-chairs.

Anyone with further questions is asked to reach out to Gruchy at jgruchy@yorkvilleu.ca or McQuarrie at dmcquarrie@yorkvilleu.ca