TRI News

Algonquin College welcomes CAE as newest Nìgàn partner to advance student access and community engagement

This National Indigenous History Month, Algonquin College is proud to announce that CAE is the newest partner of the recently rebranded Nìgàn initiative (formerly known as DARE6). Through this collaboration, CAE will financially support student success, strengthen community partnerships, and contribute to ongoing efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation in our region and beyond.

First established in 2020 as DARE6, Nìgàn is a collaboration that brings together Algonquin College and community partners to build meaningful relationships grounded in learning, respect, and shared responsibility. Partners are invited to become part of the college community and experience relationship building, working in circle, and learning about Indigenization and reconciliation. Nìgàn also facilitates experiences that can help partners shape or create change within their own organizations. Continue reading →

Métis Resources at the AC Library

The AC Library offers a wide range of resources to support learning about Métis peoples in Canada. Métis people are one of the three distinctImage of books and Indigenous beaded flowers Indigenous Peoples recognized in Canada, alongside First Nations and Inuit. Métis people have a unique history, culture, traditions, language, and identity that are distinct from both First Nations and Inuit peoples. Continue reading →

Circle of Turtle Lodge and Pembroke Campus partner on Elders Conference

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is proud to partner with the Circle of Turtle Lodge in hosting the first Annual Algonquin EldersImage with text explaining Pembroke Indigenous conference Conference, taking place June 19-21 as part of National Indigenous Peoples Day weekend. The conference will bring together Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, allies and learners for a weekend of teachings, connection and cultural learning.

This year’s conference will focus on the Medicine Wheel, exploring its teachings and significance through presentations, workshops, ceremonies and opportunities for dialogue and reflection. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from Elders and Knowledge Keepers while building relationships grounded in respect, understanding and community. Continue reading →

From Algonquin College to the set of CBC TV’s North of North

scenic outdoor shot of Julie

When Julie Alivaktuk packed up her life in Iqaluit, took a leave of absence from her current federal government job and moved to Ottawa with her two sons to attend Algonquin College, she was looking for a new challenge and a chance to grow. She previously completed the Inuit Studies program in Nunavut and gained experience working in film and television. Those relationships and that experience later made it possible for her to work on season two of the hit series North of North while continuing her studies.

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Welcome to the Spring 2026 Kwey Series

Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of “Kwey” the Algonquin College’s Indigenous Language Video Series. “Kwey” is an Algonquin greeting that means hello.

Since the Spring of 2024, we have created over 90 videos sharing words, expressions and phrases in the Anishinàbe Algonquin language, the traditional language of this region. Continue reading →

Strengthening bonds at Pikwakanagan

Group shot gathered at Pikwakanagan

The day after Algonquin College launched the Nìgàn initiative, over 75 partners from Nokia Canada and PCL Construction came together at the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation community on June 2, 2026, for a day of volunteering and learning.

This year, in addition to Nìgàn partners, Algonquin College employees were able to attend to participate in activities that included sanding, staining and painting bleachers, raking, tree cutting and clearing and gardening projects throughout the Pow Wow grounds and community.

Knowledge Keepers Paul Nadjiwan and Barry Sarazin spoke with the attendees, shared stories and answered questions.

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Algonquin College launches Nìgàn initiative

June 01, 2026
Claude Brule, Elizabeth, Frank and Wendiiosta Horn, Anita Tenasco and John Ellis at the launch of Nìgàn

On June 1, as Algonquin College begins its acknowledgement of National Indigenous Peoples Month, Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé launched Nìgàn, a new Indigenous partnership initiative. This program expands the collaborative framework established through the College’s earlier DARE6 program, strengthening relationships between the College, community organizations and business partners through learning, respect and shared responsibility.

Nìgàn, which means “to lead” in Anishinàbemowin, brings select partners into authentic learning relationships with the College, creating opportunities to engage directly with Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, students and community organizations. DARE6 was introduced in 2020 as a corporate partnership and engagement initiative grounded in Truth and Reconciliation and the meaningful integration of Indigenous Knowledge across campus life. Continue reading →

Transformative $210,000 donation launches the Indigenous Knowledge, Work and Entrepreneurship (IKWE) program to support Indigenous student success at Algonquin College

Centre: Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO, pictured with Joan Johnston, Anita Tenasco, Director, Indigenous Initiative, and Algonquin College employees and students at the Mamidosewin Centre.

Centre: Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO, pictured with Joan Johnston, Anita Tenasco, Director, Indigenous Initiative, and Algonquin College employees and students at the Mamidosewin Centre.

Ottawa, ON (May 20, 2026) – Algonquin College is announcing a $210,000 donation from the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation to establish the Indigenous Knowledge, Work and Entrepreneurship (IKWE) program. Developed by the College’s Department of Indigenous Initiatives, IKWE will offer culturally grounded leadership, professional development and entrepreneurship opportunities for students who identify as Indigenous women.

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