At Algonquin College, we freely acknowledge that we live, learn, and work on the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. As Canada moves along a path of truth and reconciliation, we will do our part to ensure that Indigenous ideas, knowledge, and culture are an integral part of everything we do.
“Kwey” is an Algonquin greeting that means hello. We say “kwey” as we introduce you to a series of videos to familiarize you with words, expressions and phrases in the Anishinàbe (ahnishinAHHbay) Algonquin language, the traditional language of this region.
Do you know that the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation is the host Indigenous Nation in the Ottawa area? That means the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation is the First Nation that has occupied this territory since time immemorial.
The current Chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg is Chief Dylan Whiteduck and the current Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation is Chief Greg Sarazin.
Did you know that John Chabot and the late Gino Odjick were both NHL hockey players? John Chabot and Gino Odjick hailed from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbeg.
Do you know that “Kichi Zibi Mikan” means the “Great River Road” in Anishìnàbemowin? Are you aware that the “Great River”, the “Kichi Zibi” is the original name in Anishìnàbemowin for what is now known as the Ottawa River?
Have you heard of the Indian Act of 1876? This antiquated piece of Canadian legislation has impacted the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation and all First Nations across the country.
“Mamidosewin” (MAH-MI-doe-seh-win) is Algonquin for “Meeting place” or “Gathering place.” The Mamidosewin Centre on campus strives to build a community that embodies this sentiment.
Do you know that the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation has over 11,000 members and that the Anishinàbe Algonquin communities are located within Quebec & Ontario. Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbeg and Pikwakanagan are the two communities closest to the Ottawa area.
Do you know that the city of Ottawa is in the heart of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation’s traditional, unceded territory? Ottawa is connected to the word “adawe”, which means “to trade”.
The five major corridors and Pathways on the Ottawa Campus include Màkwa (bear), Mahingan (wolf), Tendesi (blue jay), Mònz (moose) and Wàwàskeshi (deer).
Are you aware that the Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbeg First Nation published its own history book in 2004 entitled “Since Time Immemorial – Our Story – The Story of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbeg”?
Did you know that explorer Samuel de Champlain referred to the Anishinàbe Nation as the “Algonquin” back in the early 1600s and the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation’s first contact with Samuel de Champlain took place in 1603?
Did you know that the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation’s members speak Anishinàbemowin (their traditional mother tongue), French and English so many are in fact, trilingual.
Did you know that “Indigenous” is an umbrella term for First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuit. “Indigenous” refers to all these groups, either collectively or separately?
The Ottawa Campus recently named four City of Ottawa streets as part of an Indigenous wayfinding strategy. They include Wajashk Private, Nigig Private, Adjidjàk Private and Wàbisheshì Private.
