TRI News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – June12, 2025 – Building on a longstanding commitment to supporting Indigenous learners, Algonquin College is marking more than a decade of focused reconciliation efforts inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. From integrating Indigenous knowledge into courses to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, the College continues to take meaningful steps toward creating a more inclusive learning environment.

Today, Algonquin College released a report outlining its response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Titled “Minokamì – On Solid Footing,” the report offers a high-level snapshot of the initiatives the College has undertaken over the past decade. Continue reading →

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. Continue reading →

With National Indigenous History Month set to begin on June 1, 2025, Algonquin College brought together its DARE6 partners PCL Construction and Nokia Canada at Mãdahòkì Farm on Wednesday, May 28 for a day of volunteering and learning.

Over 80 volunteers from PCL Construction and Nokia enjoyed the beautiful weather. They were split into groups and rotated through various projects including raking mulch for a new playground area, cleaning and preparing a trail site, building new benches, tidying the gathering spaces on the farm and painting. Continue reading →

On May 15, students joined the Mamidosewin Centre and Project Lighthouse to write letters in support of the Moose Hide Campaign.

Learners crafting their letters during the workshop in the AC Hub.

The Moose Hide Campaign began as a British Columbia-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. All ages, genders and backgrounds are invited to take part in Moose Hide Campaign activities. Continue reading →

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Within the Ishkodewan courtyard are many Indigenous symbols reflective of Anishinàbe culture and traditions. The symbols were created by Ryan Gorrie, a Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinàbek architect, and each symbol has a story.

Symbols appear on the fire pit cover, the drainage rill and the wall outside Nawapon (NAW-wah-PUN). The fire symbols speak to the seven fires prophecy, an Anishinàbe / Algonquin story. Continue reading →

On Monday, May 5, 2025, red dresses were displayed in prominent locations at Algonquin College as a powerful tribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) in Canada. These symbols were placed around Building E, the Three Sisters Garden and on nearby trees and structures at the Ottawa Campus. Continue reading →

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Our Pembroke Campus is home to an Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden Kichitwàwiz-i Mashkikì Kitigànens (Kih-chi-twah-wiz-ih Mush-kee-kee Kih-ti-gah-nehs).

A medicine wheel garden is a circular garden divided into four sections that represents a connection to the Creator. Each direction represents a unique spiritual connection with the Earth. The Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden is a space for reflection, prayer and healing. Continue reading →

Indigenous potential graduates from the Ottawa-area post-secondary institutions, including Algonquin College, were celebrated on Friday, April 25 during the 17th annual Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony held at La Cité. The featured Indigenous guest speakers, ceremonial drumming and cultural performances.

Community dignitaries included Reepa Carleton (Inuit), and Veda Wesalake (Métis). All offered words of wisdom to the potential graduates. The SpiritWolf Singers provided an opening song, closing song and honour song for graduates during the ceremony. The celebrations saw a traditional Hoop Dance performed by Makhena Rankin. Dr. Kahente Horn-Miller and Darren Sutherland acted as the Masters of Ceremonies for the event. Continue reading →

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus is home to the Three Sisters Garden. The Haudenosaunee, (hode-in-OH-show-nay) or “people of the longhouse,” are commonly referred to as Iroquois or Six Nations in what is now northern New York state. The Three Sisters symbolize peace, friendship and respect and includes traditional plantings of corn, beans and squash.

For more information visit the Kwey – Indigenous Language Project website.

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

In 2022, major routes within and between each building at the Ottawa Campus were identified to become interior “pathways” and were assigned an animal and a coordinating colour for enhanced wayfinding.

The five major corridors include bear/màkwa (MAH-KWAH), wolf/mahìngan (mah-ING-gen), blue jay/tendesì (TEN-DEH-see) moose/mònz (monzz) and deer/wàwàskeshi (wah-wash-KESH-shee). Continue reading →