Cambrian College officially opens its new Indigenous space, Wiidokaaziwin, at its main campus in Sudbury and announces an Indigenous Student Support Program, thanks to a $100,000 donation from Anmar Mechanical & Electrical Contractors. (Left to right): Shawn Sobush, Indigenous Relations Coordinator, Anmar; Jeff Smith, Chair, Cambrian College Board of Governors; Gianni Gross, President, Anmar; Bill Best, President, Cambrian College; Angele Chartrand, President, Cambrian Indigenous Student Circle.
Cambrian College is home to a new Indigenous learning space as well as scholarships for Indigenous students, thanks to a $100,000 donation from Anmar Mechanical & Electrical Contractors.
A ceremony was held today (Nov 10) to officially open Wiidokaaziwin ("The Gathering Place") and announce details of the Anmar Mechanical Indigenous Student Support Program.
"It is Anmar's sincerest honour to have contributed towards the creation of this very special space here at Cambrian College," says Gianni Grossi, President of Anmar Mechanical & Electrical Contractors. "It is our hope that Wiidokaaziwin ("The Gathering Place") and the Anmar Mechanical Indigenous Student Support Program will offer Indigenous students the space and assistance to make the very most of their educational experiences."
Today's ceremony featured a smudging ceremony, a prayer from Elder Leland Bell (Mishomis) of Cambrian's Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services, and songs from the All Nations Singers of Wabnode.
Wiidokaaziwin is a classroom, meeting room, and community space for traditional Indigenous teachings and ceremonies. Wiidokaaziwin is open and available to all members of the Cambrian community.
"Wiidokaaziwin is a sharing space that brings together the importance of the 7 Principles of Life teachings (Humility, Bravery, Honesty, Wisdom, Truth, Respect and Love) in a respectful and inclusive manner," says Ron Sarazin, Director of Wabnode. "This room will encourage all visitors to share and reciprocate cultural exchange as a means of facilitating true partnership."
Wiidokaaziwin is modelled after the medicine wheel and its four colours (black, red, yellow, white). The centrepiece is a large, circular table, demonstrating the Indigenous worldview of inclusion and equality for everyone who is seated. A display case houses original works of art from former Indigenous students and ceremonial clothing donated by the Elders from the James Bay area.
The entrance to Wiidokaaziwin is marked by two hand-carved wood statues, donated to the college by Indigenous artist William Bondy. The statues depict parents holding young children, representing Family and Protection.
"I feel proud that we are on the right path and are able to have a space where we can openly practice and celebrate our culture," adds Angele Chartrand, President of the Cambrian Indigenous Students Circle. "It also allows non-Indigenous students and employees to come and learn a little more about our culture. I anticipate this space being used as a safe space to learn and share teachings, language, and traditions by everyone."
The Anmar Mechanical Indigenous Student Support Program provides eligible Indigenous students with up to $8,000 to cover the costs of tuition, ancillary fees, housing, and one visit home per semester. It is available to Indigenous students in the 2nd or 3rd year of their programs or enrolled in a post-graduate certificate program. Applicants must be interested in working in the mining or mining supply sectors.
"We want to thank Anmar for its very generous support of these two initiatives in particular, and our college in general," says Bill Best, President of Cambrian College. "These initiatives are key to a promise we made in both our Strategic Plan and in our Indigenous Education Protocol to provide a learning environment that celebrates, respects, and fosters Indigenous culture and beliefs throughout our campus. We intend to keep that promise and this is the latest step in that journey, as we walk together with our Indigenous students, employees, and communities."
The Wabnode All Nations Singers at Cambrian College perform at the official opening of Wiidokaaziwin (The Gathering Place), the new Indigenous space at Cambrian College in Sudbury.
Cambrian College is Northern Ontario's largest college, with more than 90 programs. Cambrian's main campus is in Greater Sudbury, with satellite centres in Espanola and Little Current. For more information about Cambrian College, visit www.cambriancollege.ca.
We acknowledge and respect that we are gathered on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe People of Turtle Island and proudly recognize our local host Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. We also recognize the contributions of Wahnapitae First Nation and the Metis Nation of Ontario.
For more information
1400 Barrydowne Road
Sudbury Ontario
Canada P3A 3V8
www.cambriancollege.ca/
