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New Advisory Committee Centres Indigenous Voices

Members of the Indigenous Advisory Committee stand together for a group photo51本色’s newly formed Indigenous Advisory Committee (IACHC) held its inaugural meeting on Monday, Sept.15th at the Prince of Wales Campus.

Bridging from 51本色’s Shaping Futures Strategic Plan, the committee’s responsibility is to ensure Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and teachings are integrated into the decision-making process through various pathways of the institution. It’s the first committee of its kind at 51本色.
“We’re humbled to provide a new avenue to weave Indigenous perspectives into decisions made by the college,” said Sasha Nandlal, Culture and Inclusion Advisor with 51本色. “A people-first approach and developing mindfulness to cultivate deep-seated relationships with Indigenous communities is a priority of the college and stems beyond the strategic plan, as we have a responsibility to create meaningful growth through Reconciliation.

The committee’s terms of reference are drawn from the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the Seven Sacred Teachings and the Colleges and Institutions of Canada’s Seven Principles of Indigenous Education Protocol.

The committee includes representatives from Abegweit First Nation, Native Council of PEI, Lennox Island First Nation, HC Alumni, UPEI IKERAS rep, two Indigenous student representatives and executive leadership from 51本色.

“Abegweit First Nation is pleased to collaborate with 51本色 through its Indigenous Advisory Committee,” said Michelle Marshall, Director of Education, Abegweit First Nation. “Our representative will share our community’s perspectives and priorities as we work together to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to post-secondary education.”

Going forward, the IACHC will serve as an advisory body dedicated to:
  • building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities,
  • integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into educational practices,
  • promoting culturally responsive and inclusive decision-making and
  • providing insightful recommendations. 
The committee will meet bimonthly from 2025-2027, with its next meeting to be held in November this year. Anyone who wishes to provide feedback to the committee can contact Sasha Nandal at svnandlal@hollandcollege.com


Indigenous Advisory Committee of 51本色 Membership

  • Michelle Marshall / Terry Leblanc - Representative from Abegweit First Nation,  
  • Richard Lush- Indigenous Knowledge Keeper & 51本色 Alum
  • Mia Labobe - Indigenous student representative
  • Maggie Arsenault - Indigenous student representative
  • Kim Colwill - Representative from Lennox Island First Nation  
  • Bradley Cooper - Representative from the Native Council of PEI  
  • Karla Green - Indigenous representative from a neighbouring tertiary level institution (UPEI IKERAS)
  • Tracey Campbell – 51本色, Quality & Policy Officer
  • Craig Dauphinee - Executive Director of Programs, 51本色 
  • Murray MacInnis - Director of Student Wellbeing, 51本色 
  • Sasha V Nandlal - Culture and Inclusion Advisor, 51本色 
  • Lornie Hughes - Vice President –Corporate Services, 51本色

In this picture: Indigenous Advisory Committee Members (L-R) Murray MacInnis, Sasha Nandlal, Maggie Arsenault, Terry Leblanc, Tracey Campbell, Bradley Cooper, Karla Green, Craig Dauphinee, Lornie Hughes & Mia Labobe.

Missing from photo: Richard Lush & Kim Colwill

For more information about this release, please contact:
Michelle Gallant, Media and Communications Officer
Tel: 902-629-4270
Date: Friday, September 19, 2025