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.
"Inspired by the success of DARE6, Nìgàn moves Indigenous partnership-building forward in a deeper and more sustained way," said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. "The initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring Indigenous knowledge, culture and lived experience are an integral part of how we teach, learn and do business."
"Our partnership with Nìgàn has been instrumental in deepening Nokia Canada's understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and community engagement, "said Toni Gill, Country People Manager, Canada, Nokia Canada Inc. "With the guidance of Anita Tenasco, our employees have participated in volunteer experiences on Indigenous farms and engaged in cultural and reconciliation-focused events, strengthening awareness and learning across our teams. This partnership also supported us in building a respectful and ongoing relationship with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbe Nation and its Elders and Knowledge Keepers, who guided the development of Nokia Canada's Land Acknowledgement. Together, these experiences have helped us take meaningful and informed steps toward reconciliation as a Canadian organization."
Through Nìgàn, partners participate in a calendar of Indigenous cultural events, professional learning opportunities and community-building activities, while also witnessing how Indigenization has been woven into areas such as academics, human resources, student supports and campus life. Businesses gain insight into creating more inclusive workplaces while exploring future pathways for Indigenous student employment.
The initiative also highlights Algonquin College's Indigenous community, which includes more than 1,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners from communities such as Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, Akwesasne, and many others across Ontario and beyond.
At the heart of Nìgàn is the Mamidosewin Centre, a welcoming Indigenous space on the Ottawa campus that supported student well-being, cultural connection, and community engagement. Partners are welcomed into this space to learn alongside students and College employees.
Nìgàn will deliver a wide range of culturally relevant and land-based learning experiences.
As part of its broader impact, Nìgàn supports Indigenous learners through targeted funding initiatives, including the Migiwewin Indigenous Initiatives Fund, which contributes to language revitalization, cultural programming, Elder and Knowledge Keeper engagement, food security and student success.
Nìgàn affirms Algonquin College's belief that strong relationships between education, community and industry are essential to advancing reconciliation and creating positive, lasting change.
For more information
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www.algonquincollege.com/
