Nìgàn

Nìgàn is a partnership initiative between Algonquin College and community partners that creates meaningful relationships grounded in learning, respect and shared responsibility. Stakeholders are invited to become part of the college community to experience relationship building, working in circle, learning about Indigenization and reconciliation. This happens while also taking part in experiences that can help shape positive change within their own organizations.

The goal of Nìgàn is to create bonds between corporate partners and the college. Stakeholders learn from Indigenous leaders and Knowledge Keepers, participate in Indigenous activities, expand learning and engagement for employees during a calendar of events and see Indigenization at work on campus. Opportunities to engage with Indigenous students may create future employment prospects for learners and a greater connection between business and education sector around Indigenization.

For businesses seeking to expand Indigenous knowledge and create more inclusive workspaces, working with Algonquin College allows for authentic and meaningful learning and engagement.

Algonquin College is home to over 1,000 First Nations, land based and Inuit students. Learners come from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Akwesasne as well as from other territories around the province and beyond.

The Mamidosewin Centre is the heart of Indigenous student life on the Ottawa campus. The goal is to empower and support learners into the next phase of their lives in a way that is respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures. Partnerships with community organizatons like Odawa Native Friendship Centre, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, Minwaashin Lodge and Tungassuvingat Inuit work together to support the physical and mental well-being of our learners.

Our team creates a full slate of thoughtful and engaging culturally relevant events and land-based learning events for employees and students. Nìgàn partners are welcomed into these spaces to learn and engage alongside our community.

Previous activities:

  • Series of traditional hide tanning workshops
  • Guest speakers including Piita Irniq, artist, former politician and commissioner of Nunavut
  • Ongoing Indigenous Language Series and Language lab
  • Indigenous Student Career Fair
  • Opening of Soaring Circle Sewcase Skills Lab
  • Workshop highlighting history and significance of medicine pouches
  • On-site volunteer day at on-site at Mãdahòkì Farms
  • Ribbon skirt making workshop
  • Holiday Indigenous ornament workshop
  • Cedar art workshop
  • Sharing Circle “What does Indigenization mean to you”
  • Traditional birchbark canoe build
  • Tibàdjimowin – News of the Nation knowledge exchange conference
  • Indigenous students visited three of the college’s corporate partners
  • Interactive workshop led by an Indigenous actor – Josh Odjick

Other Indigenous Funding Opportunities

  • Nìgàn Initiative: A corporate sponsorship program that brings select partners into a learning relationship with Algonquin College.
    Partners support Truth and Reconciliation while gaining access to Indigenous cultural knowledge, on site tours, professional development, participation in campus events, volunteer opportunities and promotional visibility.
  • Migiwewin Indigenous Initiatives Fund: Supports Indigenous students and cultural programming. Funding helps advance language revitalization, land-based learning, Elder and Knowledge Keeper engagement, cultural events, equipment, student achievement, food security and the work of the Mamidosewin Centre.
  • Niganizi Series — Cultivating Indigenous Student Leadership: A five session leadership program for Indigenous students held over one semester, with both campus and land-based sessions. Partners are invited to attend one session to learn alongside students.
  • Anishinàbe Tibàdjimowin Conference: An Indigenous learning conference open to both the Algonquin College community and external participants.
  • National Indigenous Peoples Day: Join employees and learners on campus to celebrate the day through activities, learning and community connection.
  • Indigenous Land-Based Learning Exchange: Experiences may include site visits to Indigenous locations, hide tanning, bannock making and knowledge sharing with an Elder.
  • Mamidosewin Centre Visit: Meet Indigenous students in their community space and take part in storytelling, conversation and light refreshments.