From the point of view of our young First Nations informants the ideal school counsellor is accessible, and most often initiates the first meeting. Such a counsellor recognizes the value of early contact. He or she also monitors and follows up after counselling interventions. Students appreciated knowing it wasn't always necessary to have a formal appointment. It was O.K. to just drop in.
Exemplary counsellors are visible in the school, particularly in the hallways.
They are observant, and act upon their observations. He will stop you in the hall. He cares and will go out of his way to check out if you are o.k. A number of students mentioned that they appreciated being approached in the hallway by a school counsellor, instead of being called out of class. They were alert to evidence which might demonstrate or disprove a counsellor's caring for, and equal treatment of, all individuals, regardless of skin color.