Algonquin College officially unveils new street names on Ottawa Campus

Posted on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024

Greetings were given, dignitaries were welcomed, tobacco was offered and with that, four Indigenous street names were publicly celebrated at Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus today.

The official ceremony included community elders, local, provincial and federal representatives, College leadership, members of the Board of Governors and Indigenous Education Council and guests from Pikwakanagan and Kitigan Zibi.

President and CEO of Algonquin College, Claude Brulé praised the new signage. “I hope that these street signs extend an additional sense of welcoming and inclusivity for our learners and employees. By embracing and recognizing the Anishinabe language, we look to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where every member of our community feels acknowledged, appreciated, and respected. It’s a way of allowing learners to see themselves reflected in the very fabric of our institution.”

In October 2023, four private streets on the Ottawa Campus were officially installed and named as City of Ottawa streets. Naming these streets is part of a larger Indigenous wayfinding strategy that will expand and compliment the interior pathways at the Ottawa Campus.

“The Indigenous Pathways Project, initiated in 2019, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to preserving Indigenous culture, language and heritage through the installation of interior signage, murals and wayfinding signs,” said Ryan Southwood, Executive Director of Facilities Management at Algonquin College. “These elements are instrumental in recognizing and honouring the Anishinaabe Peoples, as part of our broader goal to ensure the presence of traditional Indigenous language and culture on campus. Our college embraces and celebrates the first language of this territory, fostering familiarity with Anishinaabe language, history and culture throughout our Ottawa Campus.

The four new streets are Wajashk Private, Nigig Private, Adjidjàk Private and Wàbisheshì Private. They are the respective Anishinabe names of muskrat, otter, crane and marten, traditional animals in Anishinabe culture.

The new names have importance for students like Shana Shawongonabe. “This decision holds profound significance, not only for me as a student but for our entire community and future generations,” the second-year museum studies student said. “It is about acknowledging the past, honouring the present and shaping the future. I am immensely proud to be a part of a community that values diversity, inclusivity and reconciliation.”

To learn more about this street naming project, watch the video below

An open house for employees and learners was held after the event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Nawapon.

Attendees learned how the project came about, how names were chosen, how to pronounce them and what they mean.

Guests were also given a unique opportunity to connect with Anishinabe Algonquin cultural objects made of birch bark, ash wood, moose hide and beaver fur and speak with those involved in the project from Facilities Management and Indigenous Initiatives departments.

The Mamidosewin Centre was on hand to showcase its services and activities, sharing some Indigenous items and language learning activities. Attendees could hear and practice speaking words in Anishinabemowin (the original language of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation).

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