On Thursday, Oct. 23, Human Resource members from Talent Acquisition and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) proudly represented Algonquin College at the annual Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Career Fair, reaffirming our commitment to Indigenous inclusion and community engagement and marks an important step forward in advancing our Indigenous Recruitment Strategic Plan through authentic relationship-building and shared learning. Read more >
As part of its commitment to reconciliation and inclusive hiring, the College has taken a meaningful step by integrating Indigenous ways into its hiring process. A key step for incorporation of Indigenous practices for the College was conducted its first interview in Nawapon Lodge, using an Indigenous circle format that reflects respect, equity, and cultural safety.
The circle format removes hierarchy and fosters dialogue, allowing candidates to share their experiences through storytelling—a valued Indigenous communication style. The process began by guiding candidates through Indigenous artifacts and introducing the approach used in the Indigenous Hiring Circle. This included a formal land acknowledgment, Indigenous representation on the interview panel, and values-based questions designed to honor community contributions and cultural perspectives.
This approach not only creates a welcoming environment for Indigenous candidates but also strengthens the College’s role as a leader in reconciliation and inclusive hiring practices.
Kwey, my name is Anita Tenasco and I am the Director of Indigenous Initiatives here at Algonquin College.
Welcome to the latest edition of Kwey, Algonquin College’s Indigenous Language Video Series. Kwey is an Algonquin greeting that means hello. Since the spring of 2024, we have created more than 50 videos sharing words, expressions and phrases in the Anishinàbe Algonquin language, the traditional language of this region.
The videos you will see over the next few months will feature vocabulary and phrases related to the different schools and faculty at Algonquin College. Read more >
Algonquin College’s Library has launched a new Indigenous Studies Subject Guide, a carefully curated collection of resources designed to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.
Developed in collaboration with Kerry Potts, Indigenous Pedagogy and Curriculum Consultant, and faculty from the Indigenous Studies department, this guide supports the launch of the College’s two new Indigenous Studies programs debuting this fall: Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Studies Foundations – Inuit, Métis, and First Nations. This guide serves as a gateway to discover, explore, and deepen your understanding of Indigenous knowledges, cultures, histories and contemporary issues. Read more >
Students showcase their culinary creations, including cookies, guacamole and Pico de Gallo. (DJ Porter/NYA)
Participants from the Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) Next program have returned to Algonquin College to learn life skills and receive individual career coaching. Open to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories youth aged 16-22, NYA Next students reside at the Ottawa Campus for several weeks in July while taking classes in the applied trades and live as a post-secondary student. The twenty-three students in this year’s cohort will leave the program with high school credits, career preparedness and volunteer experience. Read more >
On July 14, a group of participants from Northern Youth Abroad spoke to a small crowd at the Mamidosewin Centre to hear about Indigenous cultures and traditions from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Read more >
Medicine pouches have meaning in many Indigenous cultures. The medicine pouches hold sacred objects and traditional medicines. Each one is unique, often filled with items, like precious stones, or cultural objects that hold personal significance. They serve to stay connected to the spiritual world, honour ancestors, and carry blessings. Read more >
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.
The best way to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis experiences is through their own voices.
We are pleased to share the second of two videos from Algonquin College employees who share their stories.
Today’s video comes from Eric Johnston, Manager, Mamidosewin Centre.
When graduates cross the stage at Algonquin College’s convocation, gowns will rustle, the crowd will cheer and diplomas will be awarded—but for Indigenous students, there’s an additional layer of meaning draped across their shoulders. The Indigenous stole, available for our students to wear during their ceremony is an opportunity to showcase their identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Designed by Indigenous clothing artist Tammy Beauvais from Kahnawake, the stole weaves tradition into the graduation experience. Read more >
When Clayton Cameron crosses the stage at the Algonquin College convocation on June 20, 2025. He’ll do more than collect his Police Foundations diploma and speak to his class as its valedictorian; he’ll be the first in his family to graduate, while keeping his family and community in mind as they all deal with the realities of an emergency back home.
Cameron, an Indigenous student from Waba Read more >
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represented Algonquin College at the annual Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Career Fair, reaffirming our commitment to Indigenous inclusion and community engagement and marks an important step forward in advancing our Indigenous Recruitment Strategic Plan through authentic relationship-building and shared learning. Read more >
to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.
Indigenous cultures and traditions from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. 
but for Indigenous students, there’s an additional layer of meaning draped across their shoulders. The Indigenous stole, available for our students to wear during their ceremony is an opportunity to showcase their identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Foundations diploma and speak to his class as its valedictorian; he’ll be the first in his family to graduate, while keeping his family and community in mind as they all deal with the realities of an emergency back home.