On November 12, many dignitaries and members of the community gathered for the official opening of Collège Boréal's new Indigenous pavilion at the Sudbury campus. The Shkode "Heart of Fire" Pavilion serves as a central gathering space for the activities of Boréal's First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Educational Centre across the province.
Spanning more than 2,000 square feet, the pavilion features workspaces, two meeting rooms, and a circle for smudging ceremonies and traditional events. A mural by Indigenous artist Jessica Somers is also on display, alongside a collection of artwork dedicated to the memory of Métis leader Louis Riel in a large glass case. Outside is a 32 ft-long canoe constructed using traditional techniques and an Indigenous medicinal garden showcasing native plants like sage used in sacred rituals.
The responsibilities of Collège Boréal's First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Educational Centre include raising awareness of Indigenous history through workshops, fostering partnerships to share best practices between community organizations and post-secondary institutions, hosting both in-person and online conferences, and actively collaborating on applied research initiatives.
Quotes
"Fifteen years after the opening of the Louis-Riel Centre, Collège Boréal once again affirms its daily commitment to Indigenous communities with the inauguration of the new Skhode Heart of Fire' Pavilion. These facilities, along with their services, are part of a humble yet concrete effort to encourage future generations to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in the spirit of collaboration and reconciliation."
Daniel Giroux - President of Collège Boréal
"Respecting Indigenous traditions and supporting the success of our self-identified Indigenous students are integral to Collège Boréal's mission to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion for a more just society. The official opening of our new Shkode Heart of Fire' Pavilion is a lasting legacy for all our students, who enrich our campus through the diversity of their cultures."
Nancy Raymond - Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- The construction of the Shkode Pavilion was 100% financed by Collège Boréal, with a total investment of $1,290,132. This initiative reflects the institution's concrete response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
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