Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke campuses take part in Tebwewin circles

As we look ahead to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we want to reflect on an important series of events hosted by the Indigenous Initiatives Office throughout September.

The Tebwewin — Truth series occurred at all three Algonquin College campuses and gave the College community a chance to hear stories of the residential schools first-hand. These three gatherings saw speakers, employees and learners joined in speaking circles and provided residential school survivors the opportunity to share and reflect on their experiences.

The first Tebwewin event occurred at the Perth Campus on Thursday, Sept. 12, and saw several learners sit and speak with residential school survivors David Decontie and Tony Quedent, who are from Kitigan Zibi and Treaty 3 area, respectively. The Pembroke Campus event, held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, included a circle of 15 learners, employees, community members and survivors, including Decontie, Quedent and Jenny Tenasco, also of Kitigan Zibi. The Ottawa Campus hosted the final Tebwewin event on Wednesday, Sept. 25, capping off the series with a group of College learners and employees as well as representatives from Nokia and PCL Construction — sponsors on the College’s DARE 6 initiatives — and survivors Decontie and Tenasco.

For more information, visit the College’s Truth and Reconciliation website.