Indigenous Initiatives and Their Presence on Huron’s Campus: An Interview with Sean Hoogterp
The Eagle Tree of Peace statue, Huron University, 2025
With the National day for Truth and Reconciliation occurring tomorrow, the HUCSC felt it would be an excellent opportunity to spotlight Sean Hoogterp, who operates at the heart of the intersection between Indigenous initiatives and Huron’s campus. Sean started at Huron University in 2022, and brings two decades of experience working in post-secondary administration including Indigenous accessibility roles at Lambton College in Sarnia; Brock University in St. Catharines; as well as holding the position of Learning Resource Specialist Project Coordinator for Indigenous Services at Western University. As well, he worked at the Walpole Island Heritage Centre in communications and community relations.[1] Since joining Huron, Sean has diligently worked to ensure that the Huron, Kings’ and Western’s campuses remain in consultation with indigenous community members, and provide important support systems for students.
1. Could you describe your role at Huron as the indigenous initiatives coordinator?
As the Coordinator of Indigenous Initiatives at Huron, I promote reconciliation and cultural awareness through campus events such as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation hosted on Sept. 30th . I also connect with our Indigenous community members and students and provide support services that enhance enrollment and student success.
2. How can students passionate about Indigenous initiatives get more involved on campus?
Students are encouraged to attend our events or connect with me directly for community wide Indigenous engagement including guest speakers, cultural celebrations, and media events.
3. What kind of activities are happening on campus this Wednesday?
This Wednesday is significant as it is Sept. 30th, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This date recognizes the historical policies of Canada's residential school system. This policy displaced and affected Indigenous youth across the country through assimilation and systematic abuse resulting in long-lasting generational trauma. Huron University observes this day with Indigenous cultural programming and inclusion.
Students are encouraged to participate in the Moccasin Identifier Project taking place at 11:00 a.m. in the Huron courtyard by the mail room.
"Founded by Carolyn King in partnership with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and The Greenbelt Foundation, Moccasin Identifier is a First Nations-led initiative dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous Treaties, history, and relationships to the land." Participants will create images of moccasins on the ground through artistic stencils and spray chalk. These footsteps bring awareness to the original inhabitants of the land and the different tribes that call London home.
Also, Derek Sands will be screening his film at the Schulich Theatre at 1:45 p.m.
“This year, Indigenous film maker Derek Sands from Walpole Island First Nation, will be screening his documentary film "Canoe, Carry me Home". Indigenous film maker Derek Sands discovers his great-great-grandfather’s lost canoe, and returns home to Walpole Island, where rebuilding it sparks a reconnection to culture, land, and community".
4. Where can students reach you if they have any questions about your work or student services?
If students wish for more information they may email me directly at shoogter@uwo.ca or stop by my office at Burnlea 124 by appointment or drop in
— Interview concludes —
We would like to thank Sean for his excellent contribution to The Lens. Additionally, we’d like to take this opportunity to promote Huron University’s Wellness services. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an extremely important day of recognition in the context of Canadian history, allowing participants to further their knowledge on Indigenous history. Engaging with distressing content, especially in connection to the abhorrent tragedies enacted by the Canadian Government unto the Indigenous peoples, may be triggering for those who choose to engage with such content. Below, you can find contacts and links to Huron’s registered Counsellors and an expansive overview of the Wellness Services department.