Staff
Welcome to the Indigenous Student Resource Centre at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ University St. John’s Campus.
University life can be difficult and the staff at the ISRC are here to help you on your journey--from start to finish and everything in between! Whether you are deciding if ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ is the university for you or preparing to cross the stage at convocation we are here when you need someone to walk with you.
There are three staff positions at the ISRC, with their offices located in Juniper House at 208 Elizabeth Avenue.
Joanne Harris
Manager, Indigenous Student Resource Centre
Joanne Harris assumed the role of Manager, Indigenous Student Resource Centre, summer 2025. She previously held the position of Indigenous Resource Development Coordinator with the Office of Indigenous Affairs. Joanne is Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaw from St. John's, with Mi'kmaw, French, Scottish, and English ancestry, and roots in the Codroy Valley as well as Trinity Bay. Joanne completed her Bachelor of Arts at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ University with a major in Archaeology and a minor in Aboriginal Studies. She also holds a Master of Philosophy in Humanities from ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ University, which explored the role of power and narrative in the erasure of the Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland.
Tel: 709-864-8053
Email: joanne.harris@mun.ca
Gordon Hawkins
Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator
Gordon Hawkins began his role as an Indigenous Student Wellness Navigator April, 2026. Gord has a BA in Sociology and a Minor in History from ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ and has worked in the helping field since 2005. Gord is passionate about Education and Training, along with Mental Health and Harm Reduction, being able to support people and help people live their best journey is a core value of his.
Gord is of settler decent and has lived in St John's Newfoundland all of his life. He has been an Ally to the Urban Indigenous Community since 2005 working with the St John's Native Friendship Centre (now called First Light).
Gord has strong ties to the Urban Indigenous Community in St John's and is passionate about Reconciliation and connecting people with culture and knowledge holders. In his previous roles Gord worked as the "Manager of Community supports" with First Light and" Faculty Head of Child and Youth Care" with a private College.
Gord likes to keep busy with carpentry, metal working, gardening, and anything out on the land. Gord is excited to be part of the ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ community and to help support Indigenous Students in his role.
Office: Juniper House, BP-2001A
Phone: 709-864-3495
Email: ghawkins@mun.ca
Sonya Clarke Casey
Indigenous Student Academic Advisor
Sonya Clarke Casey began her role as a Indigenous Student Academic Advising Officer in November, 2024. Sonya is not new to ÐÓ°É´«Ã½, as she completed two degrees at the university. She has also held several positions at the institution, including Student Liaison Officer with the former Aboriginal Resource Office. Much of her career has been spent working in community, in the helping fields.
Sonya grew up in Newfoundland, and has Inuit ancestry with familial ties to Nunatsiavut. She is the first generation to have been born on the island portion of the province.
Sonya can often be found out tending to her vegetable garden, cooking up a new recipe in the kitchen, reading a book, or outside hiking. Sonya is happy to be back on campus and she’s even happier to be supporting Indigenous students.
Office: Juniper House, BP-2002
Phone: 709-864-8137
Email: sclarkecasey@mun.ca