Algonquin College’s new Indigenous spaces

Posted on Thursday, December 20th, 2018

NawaponEarlier this month, Algonquin College announced the names of the new Indigenous spaces that can be found around campus: Nawapon, The Lodge, Ishkodewan, Pìdàban, and the Kejeyàdizidjigwogaming. While these names may be unfamiliar now, their meanings are deeply rooted in Indigenous culture and teachings. Below are the meaning behind these new spaces at Algonquin College:

  • Nawapon, an Algonquin word that translates as “gathering strength for the journey,” is the new name for the Indigenous Learning Commons. Nawapon will serve as a gathering place for the College community, as well as a place where Algonquin can host events;
  • The Lodge: A circular space within Nawapon that can be used for smaller gatherings
  • Ishkodewan is the title for the outdoor courtyard with its Gathering Circle and fire-vessel. The word means “there is fire.” Ishkodewan, too, will be used for special ceremonies and also function as an outdoor classroom;
  • Pìdàban is the name by which the Institute for Indigenization in Room C251 on the second floor of the DARE District is known. Pìdàban – the word translates as “past, present, and future” – alludes to the natural phenomena of “daybreak,” that moment in the morning when night becomes a new day. As McLester observed, the symbolism of the word is most appropriate for a space devoted to Indigenization and social entrepreneurship;
  • The third-floor library also has a special place to serve as a repository of traditional Indigenous knowledge. The small raised platform near the circulation desk with its curving glass barrier is now known as Kejeyàdizidjigwogamig, or Knowledge Keeper’s Place. It will showcase Indigenous oration and storytelling.

Be sure to come by and discover these new spaces for yourselves!


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