Four Algonquin College Indigenous students return from Turtle Island Indigenous Cultural Exchange Project in Australia

Four Algonquin College students recently returned to Ottawa from studying in Wollongong, Australia, for two and a half weeks after participating in a for-credit study abroad experience at the University of Wollongong.

Students embarked on the transformative two-week study tour in Wollongong, where they were exposed to an immersive exploration into the rich tapestry of Indigenous Australia. Highlights included a visit to the Daintree Rainforest, where they participated in a “Welcome to Country” and “Dreamtime Walk,” as well as Stories with Elders and Rangers, a whale watching cruise with First Nations experts, a guest lecture on Indigenous whale stories and a guest lecture with Indigenous artist Josie Atkinson-Flanders about using art for sharing stories and activism. Read more >


Algonquins of Pikwakangan flag raised at Pembroke Campus by President Brulé

On a bright and hot sunny day along the shores of the Ottawa River, a light breeze unfurled the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan flag after it was raised by Algonquin College President Claude Brulé at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus. President Brulé called it a historic day as he spoke to college employees, members of the Pikwakanagan community and special guests who gathered around the flag pole to watch the flag raising.

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Introducing Kwey The Indigenous Language Project

As part of Algonquin College’s commitment to introducing and embracing the traditional Anishinàbe (ahnishinAHHbay) Algonquin NationTitle card in Algonquin green to introduce Indigenous language series called Kwey language on campus, during the month of June we will share vocabulary, phrases and information to familiarize learners and employees with the traditional language.

Please join Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, in using the words and phrases on campus, in classrooms and with colleagues and students. Read more >


Red Dress Day marked at Ottawa Campus

A small group took to the campus on Thursday to hang red dresses in prominent locations to raise awareness and advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) in Canada.

Red dresses were hung in and around E Building, as well as on surrounding nearby trees and nearby structures at the Ottawa Campus. Read more >


Algonquin College celebrates Indigenous graduates

Indigenous graduates from the Ottawa-area post-secondary institutions, including Algonquin College, were celebrated on Friday April 26group photo of graduates attending ceremony during the 16th annual Indigenous Graduate Honouring Ceremony held at La Cité.

Students from Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité, the University of Ottawa and various other institutions gathered at Excentricite to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony which included Indigenous guest speakers, ceremonial drumming and musical performances.

Jay Odjick, a writer, artist, and television producer of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg delivered a keynote to inspire the students on their education journey. Odjick is known for his graphic novel and television series Kagagi: The Raven, children’s book Bear for Breakfast (with Robert Munsch). He was Department of English at the University of Ottawa’s first Indigenous writer in residence in Fall 2023. Read more >


Walking the path towards Truth and Reconciliation

Algonquin College prides itself on its commitment to Indigenous knowledge and Truth and Reconciliation as part of the institution’s culture.headshot of Dan McFadden A key part of that is the Indigenous Education Council (IEC), a group of 12 volunteers who are committed to providing support, developing plans and initiatives and guiding the College towards meeting the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on campus.

The IEC is co-chaired by Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé and Dan McFadden, an Indigenous education specialist with the Métis Nation of Ontario. McFadden became co-chair in September 2023. He has been a member of the IEC since 2022.

McFadden, who is from Calgary, sees a range of opportunities for Algonquin College to support Indigenous students: “Most of us who sit at the IEC table have an idea of the barriers students face. We have an opportunity to share our experiences and see how the College can offer support. We are currently working with the Mamidosewin Centre to develop more key dates to recognize, celebrate and reflect the different cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners.” Read more >


Algonquin College officially unveils new street names on Ottawa Campus

Greetings were given, dignitaries were welcomed, tobacco was offered and with that, four Indigenous street names were publicly celebratedLarge group of people standing around a street sign with the new Indigenous street names from the Ottawa Campus at Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus today.

The official ceremony included community elders, local, provincial and federal representatives, College leadership, members of the Board of Governors and Indigenous Education Council and guests from Pikwakanagan and Kitigan Zibi.

President and CEO of Algonquin College, Claude Brulé praised the new signage. “I hope that these street signs extend an additional sense of welcoming and inclusivity for our learners and employees. By embracing and recognizing the Anishinabe language, we look to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where every member of our community feels acknowledged, appreciated, and respected. It’s a way of allowing learners to see themselves reflected in the very fabric of our institution.” Read more >


Pembroke Campus Grandfather drum gets a name

The Pembroke Campus celebrated the naming of its Grandfather drum whenPembroke drum circle Elder Barry Sarazin shared its name is Chijaack (pronounced Chee-Jack), a name that comes from the crane spirit. The drum is named after a Blue Heron.

Elder Sarazin told the audience of students and employees who gathered for the name revealing ceremony that “I had dreamed about a beautiful blue heron that flew down by the corner of the school,” when the name was presented to him by the spirit. Read more >


How to Be a Force for Change with Jody Wilson-Raybould

A welcome crowd and beautiful backdrop of the shore of the Ottawa RiverDean Sarah Hall, Jody Wilson-Raybould, Claude Brule and Jamie Bramburger stand together at the Pembroke Campus played host to former Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould. Wilson-Raybould spoke to a large group in person and online at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus on Tuesday, March 5 as part of the Algonquin College Speaker Series to mark International Women’s Week.

Wilson-Raybould was speaking about her latest book True Reconciliation. She addressed the roles of women in her culture and in society, about leadership and Truth and Reconciliation and how individuals can make substantive and impactful changes that will yield results. Read more >