Shannon Simpson, Senior Director, Indigenous Initiatives
Shannon Simpson is Anishinaabe and Scottish and a member of the Michi Saagiig of Alderville First Nation. She has worked at the University of Toronto since 2003 in several positions, including over a decade at the Indigenous Student Services at First Nations House. In 2020 she joined the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and is currently the Senior Director, Indigenous Initiatives of this institutional office. In her role as Senior Director, Indigenous Initiatives, Shannon works closely with the Provostial Academic Advisors of Indigenous Research Curriculum and in areas such as mentorship, curriculum development, and protocols for community-based research involving Indigenous peoples.
Brianna Sands, Special Projects Officer, Indigenous Initiatives
Brianna Sands is Anishinaabe and a member of Walpole Island First Nation. She is currently a Special Projects Officer in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at the University, where for the past four years she has supported efforts toward reconciliation and the enhancement of Indigenous initiatives across the institution.
Brianna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Windsor and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies and Indigenous Planning from York University. She has over ten years of experience working collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and senior leadership within Indigenous communities and educational institutions. Her professional and academic work reflects a deep commitment to fostering community collaboration while advancing Indigenous priorities and perspectives within higher education and beyond.