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.
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.
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. Read more >
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.) Read more >
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. Read more >
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 Lakefor a conversation about the acting industry. Read more >
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. Read more >
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the Mamidosewin Centre.
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.
Jurt and Joshua Odjick.