The weather cooperated and the rain held off last week for the Inauguration of the A'nó:wara O'nó:wa, Vanier College's new Indigenous outdoor learning space.
Surrounded by the Vanier Garden, the A'nó:wara O'nó:wa, which means "turtle shell", was created in consultation with local Indigenous community members of Kahnawá:ke and Kanehsatá:ke. The turtle, which is important for many First Nations, is also a key part of many Indigenous creation stories. The turtle-shaped amphitheater that includes a fire pit to be used for Indigenous ceremonies, gatherings, and teachings, will also be used for academic classes that focus on Indigenous content and culture. Built of wood and stone and surrounded by Indigenous plants, the new structure is already attracting students to sit, talk and study in its serene, peaceful and tree-shaded circle.
The building of this space is in line with Vanier College's ongoing Strategic Plan commitment to "honour the Indigenous Education Protocol, build a respectful and supportive community and achieve an engaging and inclusive student learning." In particular, the new learning circle aims to recognize Indigenous cultures, values and traditions, and centers on oral traditions and learning. The space will integrate education content and will work with a counter clockwise circulation of movement in acknowledgement of Haudenosaunee traditions.
The inauguration featured a very moving opening statement of thanks and recognition by Knowledge Keeper Tealey Normandin accompanied by Fire Keeper Dominick Mikkelson. Subsequently, speakers described the evolution of the project and its projected use in the future. Other guests and speakers included members of the Indigenous Advisory Council Kailey Tye Karahkwinéhtha Nicholas, (Vanier alumna) and Emilio Wawatie, former Kahnawake Band Council Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Vanier student Cyrus Smoke, and other consultants who worked on the project.
Local politicians also came to the event: Andre Morin, MNA for Acadie and spokesperson for the official opposition for relations with the First Nations and Inuit, Jean-Marc Allard, Deputy MNA for Acadie, Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Federal MP for St Laurent, Alan DeSousa, Mayor of the Borough of Laurent, and City Councilors for Saint-Laurent Aref Salem and Vana Nazarian.
A number of people from the Vanier Community worked on the project and helped organize the inauguration including Billi-Jo Poirier, Mark Reynolds, Rosemarie Brodeur and Marya Grant. See interviews describing the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLg7ea55PWs
The Anowara Onowa is a beautiful welcoming space. Teachers are already reserving the space for classes and events.
