On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Algonquin College welcomed novelist, playwright, musician and composer Tomson Highway to the Ottawa Campus
as part of its Indigenous Leader Speaker Series.
In a lively and unstructured conversation, Highway shared animated stories about his upbringing, his life experiences, working collaboratively with other artists and his views on nature and the environment. Continue reading
On Friday, Oct. 25, the Indigenous Initiatives Office hosted a knowledge exchange conference to engage and share new experiences with Algonquin College employees, learners and community members.
“By incorporating Indigenous content, inviting guest speakers and organizing cultural activities, we strive to provide a well-rounded education that respects and reflects Indigenous world views,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “Our aim is to enrich the learning experience for all students, fostering understanding, empathy and respect for Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions.”
A sea of orange T-shirts filled Nawapon on Monday as Algonquin College employees marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Drummer Awema Tendesi opened the event with a drumming song and tobacco offering. Krista Pearson, Vice President of Student Services gave a welcome and shared the College’s new land acknowledgement.
Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé welcomed Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, College Ward City Councillor Laine Johnson and Indigenous advisor Jenny Buckshot Tenasco to the Ottawa Campus. Continue reading
As we look ahead to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we want to reflect on an important series of events hosted by the
Indigenous Initiatives Office throughout September.
The Tebwewin — Truth series occurred at all three Algonquin College campuses and gave the College community a chance to hear stories of the residential schools first-hand. These three gatherings saw speakers, employees and learners joined in speaking circles and provided residential school survivors the opportunity to share and reflect on their experiences. Continue reading
Why was the Land Acknowledgement updated?
Anishinábe Aki means the land of the Anishinàbe Algonquin people. Algonquin College has recently worked with members of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and Pikwakanagan communities to expand its relationship. This includes regular meetings, knowledge sharing and flying the flag of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation on its three campuses. This also includes collaborating to co-develop and update the Algonquin College land acknowledgement statement.
What was the process to consider the various language components?
The goal of updating the land acknowledgement was to acknowledge the past and promote awareness, education and healing to move forward together with respect and mutual learning. Attention is also given to place a focus on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Continue reading
Sept. 4, 2024, Ottawa, ON – Algonquin College has welcomed back more than just its students this fall. The Kwey Indigenous Video
Language Series has returned with new video content, reaffirming the college’s commitment to embracing the traditional Anishinàbe Algonquin language on campus.
The video series is called Kwey, an Algonquin greeting that means hello. Launched in June 2024, the videos expanded on the College’s commitment to language revitalization to enhance and increase hearing and speaking the Anishinábe Algonquin language.
The newest collection continues this promise with topics including greetings and salutations and cultural information around smudging, community circles and the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which are Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation principles to live by. Continue reading
Anita Tenaso, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO, along with drummer Randy Kakegamick marked a special morning on campus to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Continue reading
Indigenous graduates from the Ottawa-area post-secondary institutions, including Algonquin College, were celebrated on Friday April 26
during the 16th annual Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony held at La Cité.
Students from Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité, the University of Ottawa and various other institutions gathered at Excentricite to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony which included Indigenous guest speakers, ceremonial drumming and musical performances.
Jay Odjick, a writer, artist, and television producer of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg delivered a keynote to inspire the students on their education journey. Odjick is known for his graphic novel and television series Kagagi: The Raven, children’s book Bear for Breakfast (with Robert Munsch). He was Department of English at the University of Ottawa’s first Indigenous writer in residence in Fall 2023. Continue reading
Algonquin College prides itself on its commitment to Indigenous knowledge and Truth and Reconciliation as part of the institution’s culture.
A key part of that is the Indigenous Education Council (IEC), a group of 12 volunteers who are committed to providing support, developing plans and initiatives and guiding the College towards meeting the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on campus.
The IEC is co-chaired by Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé and Dan McFadden, an Indigenous education specialist with the Métis Nation of Ontario. McFadden became co-chair in September 2023. He has been a member of the IEC since 2022.
McFadden, who is from Calgary, sees a range of opportunities for Algonquin College to support Indigenous students: “Most of us who sit at the IEC table have an idea of the barriers students face. We have an opportunity to share our experiences and see how the College can offer support. We are currently working with the Mamidosewin Centre to develop more key dates to recognize, celebrate and reflect the different cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners.” Continue reading