About Us
Algonquin College’s Indigenous Student Centre
What does “Mamidosewin” mean?
“Mamidosewin” is Algonquin/Ojibwe for “Meeting place” or “Walking together.” The Centre strives to build a community that embodies this sentiment.
The goal of the Mamidosewin Centre is to empower and support Indigenous students at Algonquin College into the next phase of their lives (mino-biimaadizwin — “the good way of life”) in a way that is respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures.
The Mamidosewin Centre provides a variety of cultural programs and services to Indigenous learners attending Algonquin College. (For a full list of services, see the Services page.)
Indigenous learners may identify as any of the following: First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Inuit, and/or Métis, as well as those with Indigenous ancestry who are just discovering their heritage and want to learn more. The Centre is also open to non-Indigenous learners who are interested in learning more about the culture and participating in any events.
History of the Mamidosewin Centre
The Mamidosewin Centre includes:
- Welcome desk (staffed by student workers)
- Student lounge (room for 30-60 students, two flatscreen TVs, XBOX gaming, stereo system)
- Kitchenette (free coffee daily, microwave, toaster, cook top, oven, fridge for storage, condiments for common use, cooking utensils)
- Computer lab with printer (with seven computers, space for 20 students, and a large table for group work)
- Faxing and phone services
- Access to sacred medicines and the ability to smudge in the Centre
- Community notice board for Indigenous events in Ottawa
- Indigenous job posting board
- Student board (for student posting on housing, textbooks, social events)