Last November, Tammy Pizendewatch Cote began leading a series of traditional hide tanning workshops to share and educate the Algonquin College community about how a traditional deer hide is transformed.
Over four sessions, Cote interacted with learners and employees, showing attendees how to flesh, scrape, soften and smoke deer hide so it can be used to create usable leather for clothing or other items.
A group of employees gathered Tuesday morning, March 3, for Tea, Teaching & Bannock to learn about teaching and student support at
the Mamidosewin Centre.
Hosted by Robin Potts, Indigenous Pedagogy Curriculum Consultant, Learning and Teaching Services and Anita Tenasco, Director, Indigenous Initiatives, the event was an opportunity visit the Mamidosewin Centre and the services and supports available to students. Continue reading
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Indigenous Studies students enjoyed a conversation with Piita Irniq. The artist, former politician and Commissioner of Nunavut spoke about his life, his many varied experiences and the significance and importance of inuksuit in Inuit culture. (The plural of inukshuk is inuksuit.) Continue reading
Kwey, my name is Anita Tenasco, and I am the Director of Indigenous Initiatives here at Algonquin College.
Welcome to the Winter 2026 edition of “Kwey,” Algonquin College’s Indigenous Language Video Series. “Kwey” is an Algonquin greeting that means hello. Since the Spring of 2024, we have created more than 60 videos sharing words, expressions and phrases in the Anishinàbe Algonquin language, the traditional language of this region.
Algonquin College is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a touch of Anishinàbe language and culture. Specially made “heart pins” are available
for purchase at Connections bookstore. These hand-made pins were made by crafters from Long Point First Nation in Quebec including; Lena Rodgers Polson, Mabel Rodgers, Christine Polson and Trish Polson.
As part of our ongoing commitment to honouring and preserving Indigenous languages, this Feb. 14 we’re sharing a few heartfelt phrases that offer a fun and meaningful way to brighten someone’s day. Continue reading
On Wednesday, Feb. 4 Algonquin College’s Mamidosewin Centre hosted an inspiring and immersive event featuring acclaimed actors Claudia
Jurt and Joshua Odjick.
The interactive conversation and workshop welcomed Indigenous students, alumni, faculty and a group of students from Algonquins of Barriere Lake for a conversation about the acting industry. Continue reading
Algonquin College officially opened its new state-of-the-art Pìwànak — Algonquin Centre for Science and Innovation (PACSI) on Feb. 2, 2026. Featuring more than 20,000 square feet of cutting-edge lab space, PACSI will serve as an unprecedented resource for science education and research in Ottawa and beyond. Continue reading
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, Algonquin College hosted the Ottawa Indigenous Student Career Fair (OISCF), where students and recent graduates from Algonquin College, Carleton University, College La Cité, and the University of Ottawa were able to meet with potential employers.
Employers who attended the event included PCL, Altis Recruitment, the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, Nokia Canada, Ricoh Canada, Ottawa Public Library, RCMP, Anishinabek Police Services, Ottawa Police Services, CSIS, TD Bank, City of Ottawa and many more.
Current and former students had the opportunity to speak with companies about their businesses and learn more about hiring and what they need to do to begin a career in a chosen field.
A joint event between Wellness & Abilities and Indigenous Initiatives was held today in Kejeyàdizidjigwogamig (third-floor library) as part of
the Blue Monday week of activities.
The Indigenous Friendship Circle activity allowed participants to meet new colleagues and learn about each other.
The “We Are All Connected” yarn circle brought participants together to share their favourite rivers in Canada. Standing in a circle, they tossed a ball of yarn from person to person while holding on to a strand, creating a web in the center. Continue reading
A powerful new initiative is taking shape at Algonquin College. Soaring Circle, a national Outaouais-based non-profit, announced the launch
of its Sewcase Skills Lab at Algonquin College’s Mamidosewin Centre today to empower and support over 1,000 Indigenous students in a way that is respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures.
Soaring Circle is equipping the Mamidosewin Centre with state-of-the-art Janome sewing machines, specialized equipment, textiles, curriculum support and mentorship from Indigenous creators and global brand experts, bridging cultural learning with industry exposure. Continue reading