To mark the start of National Indigenous History Month, Algonquin College was pleased to welcome Elder Frank Horn from Kahnawà:ke, Que., to share his thoughts and stories.
Horn is a criminal attorney who continues to practice at 83 years of age. Early in life, he also worked as an ironworker on major construction projects across Canada and the United States. He is married, with five children and nine grandchildren. He is also the father of Wendiiosta Horn, the Mamidosewin Centre’s Indigenous student support officer. He was joined by his wife Elizabeth, who offered a traditional blessing in Mohawk at the beginning of the event.
Horn spoke about the Indigenous connection to nature, the importance of knowing who you are and how important peace and democracy are to a society.
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. Read more >
Algonquin College is marking National Indigenous History Month with a rich lineup of events, conversations, and learning opportunities across the month of June. From lectures and hands‑on workshops to community gatherings and storytelling, the campus will be alive with activities that honour Indigenous knowledge, culture, and leadership.
Additional activities will roll out across the month, including the Kwey Series launch, features on Indigenous spaces, student profiles, library resources, and visits from an Inuit Elder.
If you or your department are hosting an event for Indigenous Peoples Month, you can add it to this list so the College can help amplify it. Your contributions make this month stronger, more connected, and more meaningful for everyone.
June 1 – Kick off of National Indigenous Peoples Month – Lecture with Frank Horn. Frank Horn is a Mohawk. He became a teacher in the 1960’s and worked as an iron worker during the summer. During his career he has worked as a social worker and is now a practicing lawyer. He is the father of the Mamidoswein Centre’s Student Support Office, Wendiiosta Horn.
Location: Kejeyàdizidjigwogamig, “Knowledge Keeper’s Place.” Ottawa Campus Library
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Other: The event will also serve as the launch of the Nìgàn Initiative RSVP for this event
June 2 – Pikwakanagan Volunteer Day with Nìgàn partners and college employees
Location: Makwa Community Centre – 83 Kagagimin Inamo, Golden Lake, ON K0J 2A0
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
(Facilitated by Carolyn Côté, Will Hennessy, and Robin Potts – LTS Team)
This session is part of a 3-part PD series supporting faculty in familiarizing themselves with the new course ENL1004. For Session 3, the LTS team will be facilitating a learning session focused on interdisciplinary teaching, which will include integrating “Mapping Good Teaching with Indigenous Learning Practices.”
June 3 – Truth and Reconciliation: Continuing the Conversation with Dr. Bruce McIvor (virtual)
In recognition of Algonquin College’s 10-year response report to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, faculty and staff are invited to join Métis lawyer, author and educator Dr. Bruce McIvor for a virtual conversation on reconciliation, Indigenous rights, and meaningful change in education.
Together, we will explore:
What does meaningful reconciliation look like today?
How do we move beyond symbolic gestures?
What does accountability look like moving forward?
The session will include opening reflections, a moderated conversation, and participant Q&A.
Who should attend:
Faculty, staff, educators, academic leaders, curriculum developers and anyone interested in ongoing conversations around Truth and Reconciliation in education. Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. EST Register for this event
Wednesday, June 10 – Strawberry Juice making workshop – The Mamidosewin Centre
Week of June 15 | (TEACHful Podcast Recording) – Indigenous focus
LTS offering a TEACHful podcast episode with invited guests Dwight Powless and Dr. Linda Manning, with the goal of releasing it hopefully in June to align with National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). This episode will focus on themes of relationships, responsibility, and Indigenous approaches to teaching and learning. We will also be sharing updates on MYAC leading up to the podcast to build awareness and engagement.
June 19 – National Indigenous Peoples Day Event – Workshop and Gathering Medicine Pouch Making w/ Marc Forgette Makatew Workshops
Algonquin College was proud to take part in the recent Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) convocation in Ottawa on May 14, celebrating the accomplishments of 33 graduates from the Inuit Studies and Advanced Inuit Studies certificate programs.
Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, represented the College at the ceremony, alongside Tracy Norris, Chair of Academic Access and Indigenous Studies. Read more >
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.
Algonquin College has been awarded a Bronze Award of Excellence by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), recognizing the 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. Read more >
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. Read more >
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.
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.
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opportunities across the month of June. From lectures and hands‑on workshops to community gatherings and storytelling, the campus will be alive with activities that honour Indigenous knowledge, culture, and leadership.
accomplishments of 33 graduates from the Inuit Studies and Advanced Inuit Studies certificate programs.
College’s