A Covenant Chain wampum belt is on display at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP), an Indigenous, community-controlled human resource development centre based in Ohsweken, recently presented Niagara College with a Covenant Chain wampum belt in recognition of the partnership between the two institutions.

Niagara College’s partnership with Six Nations Polytechnic dates back to 1998, and provides opportunities for the sharing of resources between the two institutions, and the partners collaborate on areas such as the delivery of community-based post-secondary education, curriculum development, training and recruitment – all with a view towards enhancing educational opportunities and services offered to Aboriginal students.

The wampum belt features three human figures – one at each end representing Six Nations Polytechnic and Niagara College, and a third in the middle that represents learners.

A plaque beneath the belt reads, “Honouring Niagara College’s commitment and support for Indigenous post-secondary education in partnership with Six Nations Polytechnic.”

“This belt codifies the respectful and reciprocal nature of the partnership as it shows the fires of each institute connected by a path of peace, understanding, commitment and cooperation,” said the letter accompanying the wampum belt.

Through its First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Services (FNMISS) department, Niagara College provides academic and cultural support to encourage Aboriginal student success. Within the FNMISS department, there is a dedicated counsellor, manager, student success advisor, and a student worker. The department also offers a student lounge and organizes cultural events.  Currently, approximately 150 Aboriginal students study at Niagara College across a wide variety of programs.