Lauren McLean

Taanshi!

Lauren McLean d ishinihkaashon. Through my maternal line I am Métis and have ties to St. Laurent, Batoche, Duck Lake, and the Red River region through the Légaré, Dumas, Smith, and Laviolette families. Through my paternal line, I am Scottish and English through the McLean and Mosier families.

I was born in Neepawa, Manitoba but have lived the majority of my life throughout the Northwest Coast. I have lived on lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories for the last four years while I completed my bachelor’s degree.

I began my post-secondary education at the College of New Caledonia doing online distance education before transferring into to the Indigenous Studies program at the University of Victoria. My education journey has largely focused on reconnecting to my culture and history while also honouring my relationships to other Indigenous folks, particularly here on the Island. The First Peoples House and the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) have been a significant part of that.

In my role as the Events Coordinator at IACE, I collaborate with other Indigenous student supports on campus to help bring a variety of relevant events and programming to Indigenous students, staff, and faculty to help promote spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health. 

I look forward to working with each and every one of you.

Maarsii