Niagara College celebrates November as Indigenous Awareness Month

A host of events and celebrations of Indigenous life, history and culture throughout the month of November will mark Niagara College's celebration of Indigenous Awareness Month at both campuses. Coordinated by the college's Indigenous Education department, the month offers opportunities for the entire college community to learn about the history of Indigenous communities in Canada, celebrate the rich and diverse culture of those communities, support NC's body of Indigenous students, and promote the reconciliation process in Canada. NC recognizes the important role that education plays in promoting truth and reconciliation. It is our hope that these activities will raise awareness of Indigenous culture and Indigenous issues across the college, and will initiate important conversations," said Donna Gerber, manager of Indigenous Education. "We want to provide an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and staff to form relationships built on understanding and respect." In addition to unique events hosted by the college, November also marks significant dates and commemorations in Indigenous history, including International Inuit Day on Nov. 7, Aboriginal Veterans Day on Nov. 8 and Louis Riel Day on Nov. 16. The events also provide a forum for NC's Indigenous students to engage with and celebrate their cultural heritage, and share that heritage with their fellow students. "Indigenous Awareness Month is another opportunity for our students to learn more about their cultural heritage and connect with the growing Indigenous student body here on campus," added Jamie Warren, counsellor. "Having opportunities to support students to build their cultural integrity is a factor that contributes to their overall success here at Niagara College." Media interested in attending any of the below listed events are asked to contact Andrew Korchok at [email protected]. Faceless Dolls Workshops The Faceless Dolls Project is an awareness campaign in honour of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada (#MMIWG). Created by the Native Women's Association of Canada, International Business student Alkiie Froman brought this project to Niagara College and has been facilitating it for the past 3 years. Drop by our craft table and make a faceless doll to meet her goal of 1,200 dolls (one for every reported case of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada). No registration or fee required. NOTL Campus Tuesday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cafeteria Foyer Welland Campus Tuesday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Foyer (outside the International department) Indigenous Culinary Experience NC Chef Professor Osvaldo Avila will help and guide students in preparing five unique Indigenous dishes, for sale to the college community. All proceeds will go to support the United Way. Monday, Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. NC Greenhouse, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus Tea Talks with Elder Elaine Members of the NC community (students, faculty, and staff) are invited to the Indigenous Student Lounge at both campuses and join Elder Elaine Berwald for an open dialogue on exploring Indigenous ways of knowing and bringing this knowledge into post-secondary education. Welland Campus Thursday, Nov. 15, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Indigenous Student Lounge - S104   Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus Thursday, Nov. 15, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Indigenous Student Lounge - E104   Rock Your Mocs Challenge - Nov. 12-16 Indigenous students and staff are invited to wear their moccasins the week of Nov. 12 - 16 as an opportunity for Indigenous peoples to stand together in solidarity while recognizing the community's infinite diversity in infinite combinations. Students can showcase their moccasins on social media and tag @IndigenousEdNC #ROCKYOURMOCS and #RYM2018 in photos for a chance to win a prize. Other events and details are still being added. Find the latest by visiting https://www.niagaracollege.ca/insidenc/2018/10/24/november-is-indigenous-awareness-month/. Niagara College is firmly committed to developing new and better ways to meet the growing needs of Indigenous students. The college maintains strong partnerships with the Indigenous community and respects Indigenous teachings, learning, and ways of life. Indigenous Education provides supports, programs and initiatives that connect Indigenous students with their culture and history, and educate the college community on the importance and history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Learn more at www.niagaracollege.ca/indigenouseducation   Niagara College acknowledges and honours the ancestors on whose traditional lands we are located. The college is located on traditional beaver hunting grounds, which was a shared territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Attawandaron and other nations. Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca. -30- Media inquiries, please contact: Andrew Korchok Communications Consultant Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430 Cell: 905 329-1642 [email protected]   Michael Wales Manager, Communications Office: 905.735.2211 ext. 7773 Cell: 905.328.4101 [email protected]