About Us
Algonquin College’s Indigenous Student Centre
What does “Mamidosewin” mean?
“Mamidosewin” is Algonquin/Ojibwe for “Meeting place” or “Walking together.” The Centre strives to build a community that embodies this sentiment.
The goal of the Mamidosewin Centre is to empower and support Indigenous students at Algonquin College into the next phase of their lives (mino-biimaadizwin — “the good way of life”) in a way that is respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures.
The Mamidosewin Centre provides a variety of cultural programs and services to Indigenous learners attending Algonquin College. (For a full list of services, see the Services page.)
Indigenous learners may identify as any of the following: First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Inuit, and/or Métis, as well as those with Indigenous ancestry who are just discovering their heritage and want to learn more. The Centre is also open to non-Indigenous learners who are interested in learning more about the culture and participating in any events.
History of the Mamidosewin Centre
The Mamidosewin Centre has been serving Indigenous students for more than twenty years at Algonquin College. From its humble beginnings in the “C” building to our brand new Centre in the Student Commons, we continue to build an Indigenous community on campus based on empowerment and respect.
The new Mamidosewin Centre opened its doors in the fall of 2012 with consultation from students and staff. With its circular design, the Centre is built around the Medicine Wheel located in the middle of the Mamidosewin Common area. As the Centre tries to embody the teaching of the Medicine Wheel, its design is a reminder that we are all equal and are here to support each other as a community.
As the hub for Indigenous students and Indigenous culture at the college, the Centre takes great pride in respecting traditions and ceremonies and promoting the culture across the campus. From raising our Tipi each year outside the Centre, to our Student Pow-Wow, the Mamidosewin Centre strives to grow the Indigenous presence on campus.
The Mamidosewin Centre includes:
- Welcome desk (staffed by student workers)
- Student lounge (room for 30-60 students, two flatscreen TVs, XBOX gaming, stereo system)
- Kitchenette (free coffee daily, microwave, toaster, cook top, oven, fridge for storage, condiments for common use, cooking utensils)
- Computer lab with printer (with seven computers, space for 20 students, and a large table for group work)
- Faxing and phone services
- Access to sacred medicines and the ability to smudge in the Centre
- Community notice board for Indigenous events in Ottawa
- Indigenous job posting board
- Student board (for student posting on housing, textbooks, social events)
- Mami event board
- Outdoor space (for events and ceremonies)
- Solarium
- Private and confidential counselling office
- Smudging section for students to smudge any time
- Emergency Food Bank