Giant floor map offers an immersive learning experience for the campus community

Learners at Algonquin College, including the littlest pre-school learners from the Early Learning Centre, faculty members and students, had their first chance to interact with the Canadian Geographic Education and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society map on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.

During the Open House, hosted by the Department of Indigenous Initiatives, the 11-metre by 8-metre interactive map, which currently occupies most of the space in Nawapon, is on loan from today until Sept. 25 at noon.

The map (akìzinàzowin) is part of Algonquin College’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous education, reconciliation and creating meaningful learning opportunities across the College community.

Children from the ELC played on the map, dressed in bright orange t-shirts ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. Anita Tensaco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives then conducted an activity with the students, using an interactive “land acknowledgement” which included a tri-fold board with felt animals and Indigenous objects. Students learned words for tree, fire, water, beaver, sun and moose and learned how to say thank you (mìgwech) in the Anishinàbe Algonquin Language. The interactive land acknowledgement board was created by Jenny “Buckshot” Tenasco, an Algonquin College graduate and Anishinábe Knowledge Keeper.

Faculty enjoyed interacting with the map, reviewing the teaching tools on hand for classroom learning and treats from The Birch Bite catering.

Faculty are invited to sign up (see directions below) and bring classes to experience the installation and make use of the accompanying educational resources, which explore topics including Indigenous governance, languages, residential schools, treaties, rights and land agreements.

Presented by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Canadian Geographic Education, the map invites participants to literally walk across Indigenous Canada. Unlike conventional maps, it highlights Indigenous language groups, traditional territories, treaties, residential schools, communities and other significant locations, encouraging learners to view the land through Indigenous perspectives.

The installation is one of several Indigenous-focused events and learning opportunities planned throughout September at Algonquin College as the community prepares to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. Other events include Powley Day activity, the launch of the Kwey Indigenous Language Series, film screening and student culture visits. Together, these initiatives support ongoing dialogue, education and action in the spirit of reconciliation.

Visitation is available from noon on Sept. 15 until noon on Sept. 25, 2026

Booking Instructions

· Click the link

· Select date and time

· Enter class name, contact name and email

· Include how many will be visiting the map in Nawapon