TRI News

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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Algonquin College earns bronze at 2026 CICan Awards of Excellence

Algonquin College has been awarded a Bronze Award of Excellence by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), recognizing theKathleen Ramsay, Sara-Lynne Levine, Claude Brule and Anita Tenasco at the CICAN Excellence Awards College’s Kwey Indigenous Language Series in advancing Indigenous knowledge, language revitalization, and community focused learning.

The honour was presented during the 2026 CICan Connections Conference in Ottawa, on Thursday, April 23, 2026 where CICan celebrated institutions and initiatives that demonstrate the sector’s essential role in building strong colleges, strong communities, and a strong Canada. Continue reading →

Students spotlight Indigenous aesthetics in art showcase

Indigenous Studies students presented their work at a special showcase on April 17 in Nawapon.

The exhibit featured original pieces created in the course Indigenous Arts: Aesthetics, Culture and Reclamation. Over the winter term, students explored a wide range of Indigenous artistic traditions across First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. They worked with materials like pencil crayons, markers, clay, paint, hide, rocks and wool, while also learning about music, dance and theatre. The showcase focused on their visual art, but it reflected that broader learning. Continue reading →

National Indigenous Languages Day

Today, we mark National Indigenous Languages Day.

At Algonquin College, we continue our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by supporting the reclamation, revitalization, strengthening, and maintenance of the Anishinàbe language.

Indigenous languages carry identity, culture, and worldview. They connect generations and shape how knowledge is shared.

On this day, we invite everyone to reaffirm their support for Indigenous peoples as they work to protect and strengthen their languages so that no language is left behind.

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World Water Day

Nibi bimàdiziwin – Water is life. Water is a living thing.

World Water Day, held every year on March 22, is a United Nations observance that highlights the global water crisis and the need to manage freshwater responsibly.

Since 1993, it has drawn attention to the 2.2 billion people who still lack safe water and supports the goal of achieving clean water and sanitation for everyone by 2030.

The theme for 2026 is “Water and Gender,” with the message “Where water flows, equality grows,” focusing on the role of women and girls in shaping water solutions.

 

Two Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day

March 20 is Two Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day. This day aligns with the spring equinox and honours the identities, histories and contributions of Two Spirit people.

Two Spirit is a translation of the Anishinàbemowin term niizh manidoowag. It describes a person who carries both a masculine and feminine spirit.

Today reminds us of the strength and resilience of Two Spirit people, who have long been healers, leaders and knowledge keepers in their communities. It also calls attention to the discrimination, erasure and barriers to care that many continue to face.

At Algonquin College, we stand with Two Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ communities and commit to continued learning and support.