Students’ Association honoured for its $1-milIion Indigenization investment
Posted on Tuesday, October 1st, 2019
Algonquin College’s Students’ Association was honoured Tuesday for its $1-million investment in providing Indigenous artifacts and architecture for the DARE District.
The investment was announced in August 2017. The College and its students invested $5.4 million – including the SA’s $1 million over five years – into capital projects incorporating Indigenous identity and promoting Indigenization, all with a view to furthering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action. “It is our fervent hope that this will encourage the expression of (Indigenous) history, culture and arts on campus,” then SA President Victoria Ventura said at the time.
On Tuesday, some 110 people – students and employees – gathered in Nawapon to see that hope reiterated in an honouring ceremony and feast.
The event was highlighted by the presentation of a Wampum Belt to the Students’ Association. The gift, made by Indigenous students, was given to SA President Deijanelle Simon by Michael Wade, (Hanyošo’tsiwahahode), an alumnus of the College’s Aboriginal Studies program. He described the intricately beaded artwork as a symbolic expression of the “circle of life.”
“I am proud to see the work done at Algonquin to Indigenize our spaces, our campus culture, and our way of thinking,” said Simon in accepting the gift.
College President Claude Brulé touched on that Indigenization theme in thanking the SA for its support of the College’s efforts to promote Indigenization.
“The partnership between the College and the Students’ Association is strong,” he said. “That is because we have a shared vision of creating a more inclusive community, where Indigenous learners and community members will see themselves reflected in a positive way, a Good Way.”
President Brulé lauded the SA’s financial contribution as a “transformational investment that touched all of Algonquin College,” but particularly in the DARE District. He described the three-storey structure as a “re-imagined building” that increases “the representation of Indigenous culture, teachings, and values through the design of its physical space.”
Andre O’Bonsawin, Manager of Indigenous Initiatives, similarly acknowledged the Indigenous artifacts and artworks made possible by the SA’s contribution. He cited the three-storey Turtle Island mural at the entrance to Nawapon, the Ishkodewan courtyard, and the fishing weir structure that surrounds the Fire Circle in Ishkodewan, an Algonquin word that translates as “there is fire.”
“With their amazing contribution, not only financially but in friendship, the Students’ Association has stepped up to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, and revived the College’s courtyard with a beautiful outdoor cultural learning space,” he said.
Simon restated that commitment in her concluding speech. ”Students can see a tangible commitment to Algonquin’s values when they walk through these halls, study in these spaces, and maybe attend a ceremony in the courtyard,” she said. “The SA is proud of these spaces and proud to have been a part of their creation.”
The ceremony wrapped with an Indigenous drumming performance and Indigenous dancing that garnered much applause for its intricacy and energy. Then everybody returned to the feast.
Nawapon was suitably decorated for the event. Long wood tables were laid out with Indigenous-themed food prepared by Algonquin’s Executive Chef Russell Weir and his team – everything from stuffed rainbow trout with Three-Sisters succotash and roasted turkey with wild rice to bison sausage, wild boar pâté, and smoked salmon. Jeff Volk, a member of the Ottawa jazz band The Hornettes, provided background music with songs from Neil Young, Paul Simon, Elvis, and the Beatles.
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