New staff strengthen support for Indigenous students and programs at FIFSW
Categories: Programs + Teaching, Staff
The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work is pleased to welcome a new staff member and announce the establishment of a new administrative role, both of which will enhance support for Indigenous students and increase their representation within the Faculty.
Introducing Julie Ann Shepard, Coordinator, ITR
On December 9, Julie Ann Shepard joined FIFSW as its new Coordinator of the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency (ITR) field of study. Established in 2016 in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) and the Middelton- Moz Institute, the ITR field of study is a unique program dedicated to preparing advanced social work professionals to work with individuals, families and communities who have been affected by historical and generational trauma.
A creative spirit with a strong passion for art, music, activism, and travel, Julie Ann is of mixed heritage, including Mi’kmaw and settler (French, English, Irish, and African), and holds both an Honours Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She has held various positions at U of T, including Coordinator of Aboriginal Initiatives, where she supported the university’s commitment to reconciliation, and Coordinator of Academic Supports at First Nations House – Indigenous Student Services, where she helped Indigenous students at U of T thrive.
In her most recent role as Manager of Indigenous Initiatives at the Faculty of Law, Julie Ann supported both students and the Elder in Residence, by fostering enriching experiences and spaces for learning, reflection, and community-building, including opportunities for land-based learning.
Though deeply dedicated to her professional work, Julie Ann’s most cherished roles are those of mother, daughter, sister, aunty, and friend.
Lauren Akbar takes on the new role of Indigenous Student Access Project Administrator
Julie Ann’s role as Coordinator, ITR, was previously held by Lauren Akbar, who took on the position in 2023. Lauren is continuing work with the Faculty in a new role as Indigenous Student Access Project Administrator. This new position is supported by a grant through U of T’s Access Programs University Fund (APUF). Over the next two years, Lauren will be working on projects to connect Indigenous students to our Two-year and Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Her efforts will also help build initiatives that will benefit enrolled Indigenous students.
One of Lauren’s first projects is the development of a new partnership between FIFSW and Shades of our Sisters, a project co-created by the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women to share the memory of their loved ones and what the loss of their life means. The partnership will be commemorated with a launch event and exhibit at FIFSW’s Art Wall. FIFSW students, faculty, staff, prospective students and partners are invited to join the launch event on February 3, from Noon to 1:30pm.
Lauren has over 15 years of experience working with Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities across Turtle Island with a focus on children and youth’s mental health and well-being, youth suicide, trauma and intergenerational trauma, and youth leadership and resiliency. Before coming to FIFSW, Lauren was the Co-Lead on the National Indigenous Youth-Centered Justice Project, which was designed to learn ways to interrupt the trajectory of youth in the care of the state from entering into the youth justice system. She has also worked as an instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University and Humber College. Lauren continues to support youth and young adults in confronting barriers and overcoming challenges personally and professionally through one-on-one therapeutic work and relationship building.
“Julie Ann and Lauren are playing an important role in helping FIFSW fulfill its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action,” says Mai Truong King, Assistant Dean, Student Services and Registrar. “Their roles build on other programs that the Faculty has initiated in recent years, including the Indigenous Student Application Program.”
Recent efforts to enhance Indigenous research and ways of knowing at FIFSW have included workshops, held this year, for faculty, sessional lecturers and course instructors on Indigenizing the curriculum. The Faculty has also launched a search for a full-time tenured position in the area of Indigenous Social Work. The appointment will be at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025. The successful candidate will be appointed the inaugural Lee Wu Kee Ming Chair in Indigenous Social Work.