indigenous

Algonquin College Pembroke Campus Looks Back at 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus is looking back on another year of great accomplishments by its students, alumni and employees. Our year in review starts in January when the campus expanded its health care program offerings by adding new sections of the Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs to help address labour shortages in our local health care sector.

In February, the process of naming the campus drum began with a special ceremony led by Elder Barry Sarazin who later revealed that the Grandfather drum was to be named Mishomis Ashage Dwegan. The drum naming came six years after it was built by students under the direction of Elder Skip Ross and knowledge holder Pinock Smith.

Indigenous drummers at Algonquin College's Pembroke campus.

Elder Barry Sarazin leads drumming at a special drum naming ceremony at Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus.

Former Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould visited the Pembroke campus in March as part of the campus speaker series. She spoke about how Canadians can become “inbetweeners” to help strengthen the relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples. After leaving politics, Wilson-Raybould has been an outspoken advocate for Indigenous peoples and has now written several books.

Tree climbing is physically demanding, but students in the Urban Forestry-Arboriculture program were highlighting their climbing skills at their year-end climbing competition in April. The event always attracts a lot of arborist employers who are eager to hire these very talented students.

The Options Skilled Trades Fair continued to promote apprenticeship training as a career option for young people when it was held in May at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. Hundreds of high school students from across Renfrew and Pontiac Counties participated in the event which again included several skills competitions among senior high school students in fields such as welding, carpentry, culinary arts, small engine repair and tire changing.

Jason Blaine holds a key to the city of Pembroke on a stage at his charity concert in Pembroke.

Pembroke campus alumnus Jason Blaine holds a key to the city of Pembroke after his charity topped $1-million raised at his annual concert and golf tournament.

June was a month of celebration. Alumnus Jason Blaine cracked the $1-million milestone in fundraising as his charity golf tournament and concert marked its tenth anniversary. Blaine was also awarded the key to the city of Pembroke, recognition for his talent and his philanthropic support for his hometown. Also in June, hundreds of graduates crossed the stage at our convocation ceremony and our campus Dean, Sarah Hall, was honored with a special coin presented by Garrison Petawawa commander, Colonel Jason Guiney for her tireless work strengthening the college’s relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces.

July brought good news to the campus as it was approved by the province to deliver the Arborist apprenticeship training program. Adding this apprenticeship program is complimentary to the full time Urban Forestry-Arboriculture certificate program that the campus has delivered for several years. The campus also offers carpentry and electrical apprenticeship training programs.

In August, the Pembroke campus sought public input on its master campus development plan. As it looks towards the future, the college is considering where investments will need to be made in its facilities.

Former Olympian figure skater and mental health advocate Elizabeth Manley returned to campus in September to be part of a tree planning activity with Forestry students. The activity was held on International Suicide Prevention Day, giving students and campus employees an opportunity to remember friends and family who have died by suicide. It also opened up a door for Manley to speak about the importance of mental health and wellness, as she shared her own personal journey battling depression during her skating career.

In September, the Outdoor Adventure program marked its 25th anniversary with a special homecoming weekend at Wilderness Tours. Alumni from the program returned to the Ottawa Valley from across the country to re-connect with former classmates and faculty while enjoying a weekend of whitewater rafting and other adventure activities.

Retired General Rick Hillier headlined our Fall Business Leadership conference in October. General Hillier helped the conference attract a large crowd as he shared his experiences leading Canadian troops and offered sound advice on leadership. Television and podcast personality Amber MacArthur returned to the conference to speak about artificial intelligence and its impact on the workforce.

Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Marie Wilson and Pembroke Campus Elder Marie Wilson pose for a picture.

Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Marie Wilson and Pembroke Campus Elder Marie Wilson.

Marie Wilson was one of three commissioners to lead Canada’s National Truth and Reconciliation commission. She came to the Pembroke campus in November to speak about her new book, North of Nowhere, which chronicles her experience working with His Honour, Murray Sinclair and Wilton Littlechild for more than six-and-a-half years as they listened and recorded testimony from survivors of Canada’s residential school system.

More than 20 campus employees visited the Chalk River labs of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in December. CNL is a major employer of Algonquin College graduates and co-op students and the tour of the site helped faculty and staff consider future partnerships.

There was so much more that happened this year, but these few highlights show what a vibrant learning community exists at Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus. The college will close for the holiday season on December 24th and will re-open on January 2nd. The Winter term begins on Monday, January 6th.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Interim Dean of Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus)

 

 

Reflecting on a Special Year at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus

As the calendar turns to a new year, there are many things to celebrate at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Our year in review starts with a very special anniversary as we marked ten great years since we opened our campus along the shores of the Ottawa River. Graduating Students

We celebrated by inviting many of the people who contributed to the building of the campus, including elected officials, donors, current and past board members, strategic partners, alumni, employees and retirees, all of whom made contributions to the project. The celebration was capped by a surprise performance by Business alumnus and Canadian Country recording artist, Jason Blaine, who has become a leading philanthropist.

Blaine had another successful charity event in the summer of 2022, raising more than $130,000 for community causes. His charity has now invested more than $750,000 into community projects and services in the Pembroke area since it launched almost a decade ago. A major benefactor of Blaine’s generosity has been Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Blaine has donated $200,000 to the campus to support the building of the campus and an endowment fund that helps students in financial need. Jason Blaine

The generosity of Blaine has been extraordinary, but there are other great examples of the college community giving back. Students in the Forestry Technician program were presented with a Changemaker award by the College’s Board of Governors for their work in planting trees in a Forest of Hope near Beachburg, an initiative to bring awareness to preventing suicide.

Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion is a core value of Algonquin College and in the summer of 2022 a new mural was unveiled at the campus that has become a focal point for celebrating the many groups of people that are represented on campus. Many students and employees had the opportunity to participate in the mural painting, making the project very special to everyone who was involved in its creation.

Diversity MuralFor the first time, National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30 was marked with a special on campus ceremony of reflection led by the Campus Elder, Aimee Bailey. The back-drop for the ceremony was a powerful Legacy of Hope display that chronicled the indignities forced on Canada’s Indigenous peoples, such as the residential school system which separated thousands of children from their families, having a devastating impact on Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Services, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusWith the guidance of the Elder and Kampus Kokum, Joanne Haskins, the campus Medicine Wheel Garden was refreshed by students and faculty. This spiritual place is located on a hill to the west of the campus and has become a special area for reflection and learning about Indigenous teachings.

As students returned to campus in the Fall of 2022 in much larger numbers, following two years of adapting to primarily remote learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was renewed energy inside the building. Social events and activities were well attended by students who enjoyed the opportunity to connect to their peers outside the classroom, and the campus recreational facilities were well used as students enjoyed rock climbing, intramural sports and the fitness centre.

Prospective students also returned to campus. For the first time in three years, the campus held its Open House for senior high school students. More than 450 students from schools across Renfrew and Pontiac Counties attended. They participated in interactive activities and presentations led by faculty as they learned about the many programs and services offered at the campus.

A change in leadership occurred as the campus welcomed a new Dean and Board of Governor’s representative. Sarah Hall replaced Keltie Jones, becoming the seventh Dean in the more than 55 year history of the campus and Tony Pollard took over for Jay McLaren at the Governor’s table. Hall presided over her first convocation in June, a welcome return to an in person celebration of the graduates after the College had been holding online graduation ceremonies since the pandemic had started. Dean, Sarah Hall

As the campus looks toward 2023, it plans for more international students, new programs, more partnerships and the continued support of communities throughout the Ottawa Valley. Mostly, it looks to welcome more students who have hopes and dreams for life-long success. Happy New Year!

(Jamie Bramburger is the Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. The campus will be closed for the holiday season from Friday, December 23 until Monday January 2.)

 

 

 

Algonquin College Social Services Worker Graduate is Voice for Inuit Youth

Crystal Martin-Lapenskie knows the hardships faced by Inuit communities. She was raised in Sanirajak in Nunavut, spending her early years in Canada’s Arctic region before moving to the Ottawa Valley as a teenager. For the past two years as the President of the National Inuit Youth Council she has been a powerful voice as an advocate for young people who often struggle to have access to the necessities of life.

From an early age, Martin-Lapenskie wanted to make a difference. After graduating from Opeongo High School, near her Ottawa Valley home in Eganville, she had considered becoming a police officer and applied to the Police Foundations program at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus. But, she changed her mind and instead enrolled in the Social Service Worker program, a decision that would propel Martin-Lapenskie into an advocacy role that has taken her around the world, working directly with Indigenous leaders, elected officials and like-minded individuals to shine a light on the most pressing social justice issues facing Inuit youth. She has twice met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and has connected with several federal cabinet ministers where she has participated in committees and working groups to address public policy.

Martin-Lapenskie graduated from Algonquin College in 2013. Soon after she began working with Inuit communities, taking on leadership positions in economic development while also supporting not-for-profit organizations and starting her own consulting business. Her roles included being a project manager and Acting Regional Director for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and working with Ontario’s Ministry of Education to develop and revamp curriculum to include Inuit history.

Martin-Lapenskie

Frequently invited to round tables and consultations with government officials, Martin-Lapenskie is always willing to share her voice as a representative for Canada’s Inuit youth. The 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation report have become her playbook as she brings attention to the many issues facing young people in Canada’s Northern communities such as access to mental health services, but surprisingly, Martin-Lapenskie believes there has been a silver lining through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Inuit have the highest suicide rates not only in Canada, but in the entire world. When COVID happened last year, my heart sank with the thought of losing more youth as we lack proper mental health services across Inuit Nunangat, but the pandemic brought our communities together and that closeness has resulted in the lowest suicide numbers we’ve seen. Inuit youth are utilizing this time to immerse themselves out on the land with their loved ones, proving that land based initiatives are paramount to the well-being of our people,” says Martin-Lapenskie.

Crystal Martin-Lapenskie smiling

Crystal Martin-Lapenskie is intelligent, well spoken and passionate about her work, much of it unpaid. Volunteerism is a huge part of her approach to sharing her message about the needs of Inuit youth. She sits on several committees providing valuable input to organizations such as the Renfrew County District School Board, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, United Way East Ontario, International Inuit Business Association, and the Kamatsianig Council that advises on polices that impact Inuit children and youth in the welfare sector.

“Canadians need to know that Inuit are among the most resourceful, resilient and adaptable people in Canada and although they live through socio-economic disparities, Inuit youth have not lost hope and have been awakened by the reclamation of our cultural traditions and language,” says Martin-Lapenskie, who has taken a particular interest in supporting the health and wellness of Inuit.

Crystal Martin-Lapenskie at a studio

She recently welcomed a production crew to her home so she could record a federal public service announcement encouraging Inuit to get their vaccination to help stop the spread of the pandemic. It’s this type of meaningful advocacy that has made Martin-Lapenskie one of Canada’s most important Indigenous voices.

As she wraps up her two-year term as the President of the National Inuit Council, Martin-Lapenskie is proud of the work that she has done, but is not about to slow down in her advocacy efforts. She understands too well the socio-economic issues facing Northern youth and has committed herself to staying connected with a part of Canada that few Canadians know. For Martin-Lapenskie, the North will always be her home, the place that drives her ambition to help others and the reason she became a Social Service Worker.

(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)

 

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus Embraces Indigenous Teachings

Five years ago, Algonquin College made history when it appointed an Executive Director of Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization. The position that Ron McLester accepted was the first such role in Canada’s post-secondary system. Since then it has evolved into a Vice-President’s role as the College embraces the calls to action that were made in Justice Murray Sinclair’s ground-breaking Truth and Reconciliation report in 2015.

The report was a watershed moment for Canadians. It shone a light on the injustices done to the Indigenous peoples of Canada, including the use of residential schools, which many have termed cultural genocide. Since the report was released, many businesses and organizations have responded positively and are making an effort to integrate Indigenous teachings into their day-to-day operations, including post-secondary schools.

Drumming Circle, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusAt Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, a short drive from the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, several initiatives are underway. These include the introduction of a Kampus Kokum and Elder-in-Residence to support Indigenous students studying at the campus.

A Kokum is an Algonquin Anishinabe word for Grandmother and Annie Parker of The Circle of Turtle Lodge fits the role well. Her gentle and welcoming personality has been well received by students and staff as she provides cultural and traditional insight, support and guidance to Indigenous students.

The addition of a Kampus Kokum and Elder-in-Residence, Aimee Bailey, also of The Circle of Turtle Lodge, was made possible through a special project known as Mamiwi Maadaadizi, or “Start of an Algonquin Journey.” Mamiwi Maadaadizi is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund grant. The project has several tentacles that reach into many areas of the campus.

Indigenous Services, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusFor example, several employees and students have participated in Talking Circles and presentations to better understand Indigenous history and philosophy that predate the formation of Canada. These activities have included the Kairos Blanket Exercise, which visually explains how Indigenous peoples lost their land rights because of settler encroachment.

The trauma caused by the forced separation of children during what became known as the Sixties Scoop, when thousands of Indigenous children were placed in foster care or adoption services, and the impact of residential schools, has also been explored. More recently, employees have had the opportunity to learn about Medicine Wheels, the moon’s cycle from an Indigenous perspective and a private screening of the documentary “Colonization Road”, a provocative film that explores the impact of colonization on Canada.

Colonization Road, directed by Michelle St. John and narrated by comedian and activist Ryan McMahon, is a discovery of how the building of roads by European and American settlers negatively affected Indigenous communities, often leaving them isolated. The title for the film is a metaphor for what followed, the dismantling of their land and culture, the effect of which is still being felt decades later.

Sharing these stories are powerful teaching moments. The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan have an informative mobile display that is loaned to schools throughout the Ottawa Valley, including the Pembroke Campus, where it has been showcased for several years. The wooden display panels catalogue local and national Indigenous history, including the oppressive Indian Act of 1876, residential schools, voting rights and the founding of Indian Reserve Number 39, what is now the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

Blanket Exercise, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusThere is still much work to do but the Indigenization journey has begun at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, a post-secondary school that stands on the shores of the Kitchissippi River (Ottawa River) on unceded traditional Algonquin territory. The river holds so much history and a few years ago it was recognized for its cultural value as it was designated as one of our country’s heritage rivers. A special plaque, written in the Algonquin language, acknowledges what the Algonquins call, “The Great River.”

The river is the perfect backdrop for Indigenous teachings, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, very few students are on campus. Most are studying remotely. The Indigenous Drums that are frequently used for special ceremonies in the Campus Commons are quiet, but when the day comes that students can return to the campus, the drums will be awakened as Algonquin College’s Indigenization journey continues.

Jamie Bramburger is the Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus

Parents’ & Families’ Newsletter Winter 2018 Edition

The calendar has turned to a new year and there are lots happening at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus. Here is a quick update for parents and family members. Enjoy our 2018 parent newsletter winter edition.

Winterfest: February 28th

The winter semester at the Waterfront Campus is underway and recently we’ve had a lot of snow in Pembroke. This will certainly help us as we plan our Winterfest carnival for students on Feb 28th.

WinterfestWinterfest is a fun afternoon and evening for students that will include:

  • Outdoor activities in the snow like snowshoeing, ice sculpting and sliding
  • Loggersports and Action Sports Park Development demos
  • Free lunch for all students
  • Free public skating at the Pembroke Memorial Centre followed by a women’s and men’s student-staff hockey game
  • Free dinner back at the campus where students can enjoy live entertainment.
  • A Career Networking Fair featuring dozens of employers in many sectors.
  • Plus, we will be making a number of draws for some great prizes! All students who participate are eligible.

Yes, we like to give our students free stuff to make their college experience more enjoyable!

More details can be found here >>

Ottawa Valley Speaker Series

Ottawa Valley History: Speaker Series

The theme of our Algonquin College Speakers Series this year is Ottawa Valley history and there are certainly a number of stories to explore, including the Flying Bandit. On March 19, the reporter who broke the story and co-authored a book on the flying bandit, Ed Arnold, will share details of how an American convict escaped from prison and started a new life in Pembroke. Unfortunately, that life made him one of Canada’s most notorious bank robbers. Arnold was the managing editor of the Peterborough Intelligencer newspaper when the string of robberies was occurring. Three of the heists occurred in Peterborough, peaking Arnold’s interest, leading him on a journalistic investigation that led to him uncovering Canada’s most notorious bank robber.

This session will be held in the evening of Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at our Waterfront Campus. You can learn more about this presentation on our Speaker Series website >>

Indigenous Culture Celebration

Indigenous Hand DrummingIn partnership with the Circle of Turtle Lodge, we are exploring and celebrating the indigenous culture during the month of March with a variety of activities related to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. The goal of our celebration is to offer the opportunity for our students and employees to learn more about indigenous ways through interactive lunch and learns. Our activities include:

  • Info Fair Celebration Kick-off: March 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Commons
  • Algonquin Song Lesson & Drumming Circle: March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gymnasium
  • Kairos Blanket Exercise: March 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gymnasium
  • Talking Stick Workshop: March 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 426
  • Talking Circle: March 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gymnasium

Events, Events and More Events!

We have a number of events on campus, both faculty and staff-driven and student organized. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything that is happening, which is why we have created the Waterfront Campus Events Calendar >>. Learn more about the fun and academic event opportunities available for our students.

Flu Season Flu Season

With so many students and staff at the Waterfront Campus daily, it is easy for the flu to spread at this time of year. The College offers free flu shots to students through its Health Services office which is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An appointment is not necessary.

Throughout the campus there are also hand sanitizer stations and our Health Nurse does a great job of promoting the importance of hand washing, particularly at this time of year when the flu and cold season is at its peak.

Mental Health Programs Winter 2018

As we start the new semester, establishing good habits for our health and wellness is really important to continue to be successful. Counselling Services will be providing a number of free programs this semester to help students achieve the best success possible. Some great tips and information can be found in our Mental Health Matters Newsletter >>

  • Is your student STRESSED? ANXIOUS? – Have them check out the Chill Café! A 6-week program to help students with managing stress and anxiety in a more effective way. Thursdays Feb 8-March 22 (excluding Feb 22) from 2-3:30 pm in Room 308. Students can sign up at chillcafe.eventbrite.ca
  • Does your student need to improve their physical well-being and exercise? They are welcome to join us for snowshoeing, yoga, and walks with Wellness In Nature Days (WIND). We are adding new activities regularly. See our up to date programs at fb.me/WINDACOV
  • Is your student having challenges with Alcohol or Drugs? What about Eating Challenges? Gaming or on the internet too much? SMART Recovery works to help with various behaviours that can be addictive and helps by teaching skills to overcome these challenges. This is a student-run and for students only program. Thursdays at 4-5:30 pm in Room 216.
  • Positive Space offers a safe space for students to meet with open-minded people and enjoy lunch together – Tuesdays at 12-1pm in Room 308
  • Coffee House Art Space is a weekly opportunity for students to be creative and learn or practice art skills – Mondays from 5-7 in Room 122

March Break Open House

Are you a parent/guardian or spouse of a student starting a program at our campus September 2018? If yes, we invite you to join us on Saturday, March 10, 2018 starting at 9 a.m. for our March Break Open House.

At our Open House, you can:

  • Meet our student services staff and find out more about supports for students. Staff from the following areas will be available to answer your questions: Admissions; Financial Aid; Fee Payment Cashier; Recruiters; Student Success Specialist; Disabilities Counsellor; Housing, and General Information.
  • Attend a variety of 30-minute information sessions
  • Take a tour of our new waterfront campus
  • Enjoy a free Lunch & Learn Session – Q & A: Bring all your questions and our current student panel will answer them
  • Hear directly from current students at our popular student panel
  • Meet some of our faculty from specific programs

Learn more and register now >>

We hope this newsletter has been helpful. Please keep in touch with us and offer us feedback on topics you would like us to cover in future newsletters.

Thank you for being part of your young adult’s post-secondary journey.

Sincerely,

Jamie Bramburger
Manager of Community and Student Affairs
Algonquin College Waterfront Campus, Pembroke, ON.
PM-Parents@algonquincollege.com