DARE6 Event
The prepared remarks of President Claude Brulé.
February 28, 2020
Good afternoon, everyone. Bonjour. Kwe.
I am so pleased to welcome all of you here for this special event, the first of its kind at Algonquin College.
DARE6 is a unique opportunity, built on a partnership that will create new paths to engagement. I know I can speak on behalf of all of us here at the College when I say that we can think of no better way to launch this exciting program than with PCL Constructors.
Today is a celebration of the longstanding working relationship that PCL and Algonquin College have already built together, what we have accomplished, and the changing face of the college. With a strong and unified vision, together we have brought new, dynamic spaces to our landscape — most notably, of course, our incredible DARE District, which has quickly become the heart of our College.
I want to pause briefly here to acknowledge the outstanding commitment PCL has already made to the success of the DARE District, including its generous gift of $50,000 just last year. And I would be remiss if I did not also mention its past support, of course, of our Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, known affectionately here as ACCE.
Our mission here at Algonquin, as many of you know, is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. PCL’s support has been instrumental in making this happen for thousands of our learners.
The name DARE6 was inspired by the six nations that came together in unity to form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. In this new coalition, DARE6 will welcome like–minded and committed members to this exclusive group. All will be welcome to join us here at Algonquin College — at any time — and will be invited to participate in and become part of the very fabric of our institution.
Part of that fabric, is, of course, our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and to fostering better understanding of Indigenous history and culture. In recognition and respect for the 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, DARE6 partners will be supported on their journey of discovery in a mindful and meaningful way as they seek out Indigenous knowledge and teachings. We will approach this, as Ron McLester would say, with a good mind, and in a good way.
In Anishinaabe culture, there is a special moment every morning, just as night becomes day — when past, present, and future come together at the same time.
That moment is daybreak, or dawn, and it is called Pìdàban, which is what this space is also called. Here, today, DARE6 has found its Pìdàban as past, present and future come together for Algonquin College and PCL Constructors, and we reflect and look forward at the same time with enthusiasm and anticipation of this newly formed partnership.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwetch.