The new Pìwànak — Algonquin Centre for Science and Innovation is designed to provide students a state-of-the-art science education, giving hands-on experience with the same technology they can expect to encounter in the workplace. In addition to the technical side, the Centre is also alive with Indigenous imagery and knowledge.
Pìwànak, meaning “flint” in the Anishinàbe Algonquin language, represents the start of something new. Pìwànak features two large murals, incorporating design elements that have significant meaning to Indigenous culture, with the overall design guided by Brenda Odjick, Lionel Whiteduck, Anita Tenasco and Rene Tenasco. The murals themselves were designed and painted by artist Shalak Attack, with her partner Bruno Smoky of Clandestinos Art assisting her on the larger mural. Read more >
Faculty members Chef Muriel Ong and Chef Karla Rosas from the Baking and Pastry Arts program, CAPA, School of Business and Hospitality, led the creation of a chocolate sculpture with student volunteers. The sculpture, titled “Hope” was inspired by the Algonquin College Coat of Arms.
Made from repurposed chocolate, the piece acknowledges Truth and Reconciliation and supports ongoing conversations around Indigenization and food origins. Read more >
On Thursday, Oct. 23, Human Resource members from Talent Acquisition and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) proudly represented Algonquin College at the annual Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Career Fair, reaffirming our commitment to Indigenous inclusion and community engagement and marks an important step forward in advancing our Indigenous Recruitment Strategic Plan through authentic relationship-building and shared learning. Read more >
Kwey, my name is Anita Tenasco and I am the Director of Indigenous Initiatives here at Algonquin College.
Welcome to the latest 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 50 videos sharing words, expressions and phrases in the Anishinàbe Algonquin language, the traditional language of this region.
The videos you will see over the next few months will feature vocabulary and phrases related to the different schools and faculty at Algonquin College. Read more >
Algonquin College’s Library has launched a new Indigenous Studies Subject Guide, a carefully curated collection of resources designed to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.
Developed in collaboration with Kerry Potts, Indigenous Pedagogy and Curriculum Consultant, and faculty from the Indigenous Studies department, this guide supports the launch of the College’s two new Indigenous Studies programs debuting this fall: Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Studies Foundations – Inuit, Métis, and First Nations. This guide serves as a gateway to discover, explore, and deepen your understanding of Indigenous knowledges, cultures, histories and contemporary issues. Read more >
Students showcase their culinary creations, including cookies, guacamole and Pico de Gallo. (DJ Porter/NYA)
Participants from the Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) Next program have returned to Algonquin College to learn life skills and receive individual career coaching. Open to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories youth aged 16-22, NYA Next students reside at the Ottawa Campus for several weeks in July while taking classes in the applied trades and live as a post-secondary student. The twenty-three students in this year’s cohort will leave the program with high school credits, career preparedness and volunteer experience. Read more >
On July 14, a group of participants from Northern Youth Abroad spoke to a small crowd at the Mamidosewin Centre to hear about Indigenous cultures and traditions from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Read more >
Medicine pouches have meaning in many Indigenous cultures. The medicine pouches hold sacred objects and traditional medicines. Each one is unique, often filled with items, like precious stones, or cultural objects that hold personal significance. They serve to stay connected to the spiritual world, honour ancestors, and carry blessings. Read more >
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.
The best way to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis experiences is through their own voices.
We are pleased to share the second of two videos from Algonquin College employees who share their stories.
Today’s video comes from Eric Johnston, Manager, Mamidosewin Centre.
When graduates cross the stage at Algonquin College’s convocation, gowns will rustle, the crowd will cheer and diplomas will be awarded—but for Indigenous students, there’s an additional layer of meaning draped across their shoulders. The Indigenous stole, available for our students to wear during their ceremony is an opportunity to showcase their identity, resilience, and cultural pride.
Designed by Indigenous clothing artist Tammy Beauvais from Kahnawake, the stole weaves tradition into the graduation experience. Read more >
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hands-on experience with the same technology they can expect to encounter in the workplace. In addition to the technical side, the Centre is also alive with Indigenous imagery and knowledge.
led the creation of a chocolate sculpture with student volunteers. The sculpture, titled “Hope” was inspired by the Algonquin College Coat of Arms.
represented Algonquin College at the annual Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Career Fair, reaffirming our commitment to Indigenous inclusion and community engagement and marks an important step forward in advancing our Indigenous Recruitment Strategic Plan through authentic relationship-building and shared learning. 
to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.
Indigenous cultures and traditions from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. 
but for Indigenous students, there’s an additional layer of meaning draped across their shoulders. The Indigenous stole, available for our students to wear during their ceremony is an opportunity to showcase their identity, resilience, and cultural pride.