TRI News

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Within the Ishkodewan courtyard are many Indigenous symbols reflective of Anishinàbe culture and traditions. The symbols were created by Ryan Gorrie, a Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinàbek architect, and each symbol has a story.

Symbols appear on the fire pit cover, the drainage rill and the wall outside Nawapon (NAW-wah-PUN). The fire symbols speak to the seven fires prophecy, an Anishinàbe / Algonquin story. Continue reading →

On Monday, May 5, 2025, red dresses were displayed in prominent locations at Algonquin College as a powerful tribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) in Canada. These symbols were placed around Building E, the Three Sisters Garden and on nearby trees and structures at the Ottawa Campus. Continue reading →

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Our Pembroke Campus is home to an Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden Kichitwàwiz-i Mashkikì Kitigànens (Kih-chi-twah-wiz-ih Mush-kee-kee Kih-ti-gah-nehs).

A medicine wheel garden is a circular garden divided into four sections that represents a connection to the Creator. Each direction represents a unique spiritual connection with the Earth. The Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden is a space for reflection, prayer and healing. Continue reading →

Indigenous potential graduates from the Ottawa-area post-secondary institutions, including Algonquin College, were celebrated on Friday, April 25 during the 17th annual Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony held at La Cité. The featured Indigenous guest speakers, ceremonial drumming and cultural performances.

Community dignitaries included Reepa Carleton (Inuit), and Veda Wesalake (Métis). All offered words of wisdom to the potential graduates. The SpiritWolf Singers provided an opening song, closing song and honour song for graduates during the ceremony. The celebrations saw a traditional Hoop Dance performed by Makhena Rankin. Dr. Kahente Horn-Miller and Darren Sutherland acted as the Masters of Ceremonies for the event. Continue reading →

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus is home to the Three Sisters Garden. The Haudenosaunee, (hode-in-OH-show-nay) or “people of the longhouse,” are commonly referred to as Iroquois or Six Nations in what is now northern New York state. The Three Sisters symbolize peace, friendship and respect and includes traditional plantings of corn, beans and squash.

For more information visit the Kwey – Indigenous Language Project website.

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

In 2022, major routes within and between each building at the Ottawa Campus were identified to become interior “pathways” and were assigned an animal and a coordinating colour for enhanced wayfinding.

The five major corridors include bear/màkwa (MAH-KWAH), wolf/mahìngan (mah-ING-gen), blue jay/tendesì (TEN-DEH-see) moose/mònz (monzz) and deer/wàwàskeshi (wah-wash-KESH-shee). Continue reading →

Nawapon played host to an enthusiastic group of faculty and employees on Tuesday, April 8, as participants attended the Tea, Teaching and Bannock Language Lab to enhance familiarity with the Anishinàbe language, encouraging them to use traditional words and phrases with confidence.

“This event exemplifies how we bring our classroom work into the public domain and invite everyone to participate,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO. “From our hallways to our campus streets and several of our gathering locations, Anishinàbe words and phrases are prominent throughout.” Continue reading →

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

In 2023, four private streets at the Ottawa Campus were named official city streets in collaboration with the City of Ottawa. They are Wajashk (WAH-jashk) Private, Nigig (NIH-gig) Private, Adjidjàk (AH-gee-djak) Private and Wàbisheshì (WAH-BAH-SHesh-shee) Private. Wajashk means muskrat, nigig means otter, adjidjàk means crane and wàbisheshì means marten. Continue reading →

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to expanding the traditional Anishinàbe (ah-nish-in-AHH-bay) Algonquin Nation language on campus, we are sharing vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

There are two terms for spring in the Anishinàbe Algonquin language. Sigwan (SEE-gwan) is the word that describes the early spring season. Minokamin (min-OAK-A-min) is a word that describes the later part of spring. Continue reading →

On Monday, March 31, Indigenous community leaders and Algonquin College faculty introduced two new Indigenous Studies programs to be available to learners this fall.

The one-year Indigenous Studies Foundation Inuit, Métis, and First Nations certificate and two-year Indigenous Studies Diploma launch in September 2025. These new programs offer pathways into other academic programs at Algonquin College, bridge opportunities to degree programs at Ontario universities and build transferable skills that support an array of businesses and organizations implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“These programs for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners offer opportunities for those wishing to find employment in public, private, non-profit and government sectors that engages with Indigenous communities or within Indigenous community organizations and businesses,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO. Continue reading →