TRI News

A joint event between Wellness & Abilities and Indigenous Initiatives was held today in Kejeyàdizidjigwogamig (third-floor library) as part of the Blue Monday week of activities.

The Indigenous Friendship Circle activity allowed participants to meet new colleagues and learn about each other.

The “We Are All Connected” yarn circle brought participants together to share their favourite rivers in Canada. Standing in a circle, they tossed a ball of yarn from person to person while holding on to a strand, creating a web in the center. Continue reading →

A powerful new initiative is taking shape at Algonquin College. Soaring Circle, a national Outaouais-based non-profit, announced the launch of its Sewcase Skills Lab at Algonquin College’s Mamidosewin Centre today to empower and support over 1,000 Indigenous students in a way that is respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures.

Soaring Circle is equipping the Mamidosewin Centre with state-of-the-art Janome sewing machines, specialized equipment, textiles, curriculum support and mentorship from Indigenous creators and global brand experts, bridging cultural learning with industry exposure. Continue reading →

TRI Year in Review

Algonquin College’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation included a wide range of opportunities for Indigenous learning in 2025. Here’s a look back and the many ways the College community was able to learn and connect with the Anishinàbe people and culture.

December

Dec. 5 – Winter solstice marked early with Indigenous folklore Continue reading →

On Dec. 15, 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released their final report titled “Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future”. The report issued 94 Calls to Action for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Algonquin College is proud to reflect on more than a decade of reconciliation efforts inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Guided by Indigenous voices, the College has introduced programs, services, and partnerships that expand supports for Indigenous learners, integrate Indigenous knowledge into curriculum, and create spaces that honor Indigenous cultures and traditions. A report of our work over the past decade can be read here. Continue reading →

Pictured: One of three student murals created in Algonquin College’s DARE District (Building C) by Illustration and Concept Art students during the Cause a Scene initiative.

On Nov. 13, Algonquin College hosted an Indigenous-led climate dialogue that inspired 55 Illustration and Concept Art students. Their murals and AR activations remain on display in DARE District until mid-December.

The day began with a powerful multigenerational dialogue featuring Chuck Commanda, master canoe builder and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Vanessa Stevens, Indigenous counsellor from the Mamidosewin Centre, and Amenda Soucy, Inuk student entrepreneur from the Business Management and Entrepreneurship program. Throughout their discussion, they invited employees, learners, and community members to reflect on our shared responsibilities to the land and to future generations.  Continue reading →

On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, employees and learners got a head start on the holiday season as they took part in an Indigenous themed ornament-making workshop.

Anita and Jenny Tenasco guided participants though creating ornaments using traditional Indigenous crafting methods and natural land-based materials including wood pieces, pinecones, feathers, birchbark and leather.

The creativity abounded as participants enjoyed festive music, snacks and good conversation. Continue reading →

On Thursday, Nov. 13, learners, employees and community members gathered in Nawapon to learn from Anita Tenasco, Director,

Indigenous Initiatives, about the traditional healing knowledge of the cedar tree.

Cedar is associated with healing and purification from its medicinal uses and role in ceremonies. In Tenasco’s Indigenous teachings, she shared that cedar is used in many forms, including teas, treating skin conditions like eczema, preparing the body for the spirit world, burial traditions and use on newborns and the ill to promote healing. Continue reading →

On Oct. 8, Algonquin College was honoured by Nunavut Sivuniksavut College (NS) for its longstanding collaboration in delivering Inuit-focused education. The award, featuring a traditional ulu (a multi-purpose cutting tool), celebrates NS’s 40th anniversary and recognizes Algonquin College’s partnership role in supporting Inuit learners for more than 35 years. Continue reading →

The new Pìwànak — Algonquin Centre for Science and Innovation is designed to provide students a state-of-the-art science education, giving hands-on experience with the same technology they can expect to encounter in the workplace. In addition to the technical side, the Centre is also alive with Indigenous imagery and knowledge.

Pìwànak, meaning “flint” in the Anishinàbe Algonquin language, represents the start of something new. Pìwànak features two large murals, incorporating design elements that have significant meaning to Indigenous culture, with the overall design guided by Brenda Odjick, Lionel Whiteduck, Anita Tenasco and Rene Tenasco. The murals themselves were designed and painted by artist Shalak Attack, with her partner Bruno Smoky of Clandestinos Art assisting her on the larger mural. Continue reading →

Faculty members Chef Muriel Ong and Chef Karla Rosas from the Baking and Pastry Arts program, CAPA, School of Business and Hospitality, led the creation of a chocolate sculpture with student volunteers. The sculpture, titled “Hope” was inspired by the Algonquin College Coat of Arms.

Made from repurposed chocolate, the piece acknowledges Truth and Reconciliation and supports ongoing conversations around Indigenization and food origins. Continue reading →