On Monday, November 7, Indigenous Education, in partnership with Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services (HWAS), celebrated the grand re-opening of the Welland Indigenous Lounge as well as the designation of HWAS (AH 125) as a smudge friendly space.
The opening took place during Treaty Recognition Week, an annual event that honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario learn more about treaty rights and relationships.
“The new Indigenous Lounge offers Indigenous students a safe and inviting space where they can feel free to explore their identity, connect with other Indigenous students, access resources and support services, all while achieving academic success,” said Leah Hogan, Associate Director, Indigenous Education. “This new and improved space is an important step for Niagara College as we work towards fulfilling our commitment to ensuring an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning environment.”
Operated by the College’s Indigenous Education department, the new lounge is located above Human Resources in L201 and is staffed by dedicated Indigenous Student Success Leaders who work hard to create a sense of community and a ‘home away from home’ for Indigenous students. The new space provides students with access to a kitchenette with snacks, a refrigerator, microwave and sink, patio space, computer lab with internet access, assistive software, free printing, on-site and virtual Indigenous resource materials, and a lounge area for students to gather and meet.
The re-opening celebration began with educational drop-in sessions on smudge awareness. Hosted by HWAS, these sessions were designed to invite members of the NC community to learn more about smudging, why it is important, and provide the opportunity to participate in smudging.
“Though not all Indigenous peoples smudge, the designation of HWAS as a smudge friendly space is a symbol of inclusivity and cultural safety for Indigenous students,” said Jamie Consoli, Indigenous Counsellor, HWAS. “This designation recognizes and normalizes the use of traditional, cultural healing practices that aren’t well represented in westernized, mainstream healthcare settings.”
The HWAS office is the first campus space, outside of the Indigenous Lounge, to be designated as smudge friendly.
“We are proud to provide Indigenous students with another space on campus that is safe and welcoming and that provides them with the knowledge that their cultural rights are respected without fear of judgement or questioning,” said Karen Csoli, Director, HWAS, Welland Campus. “We care deeply for our students and faculty and recognize our responsibility as settlers to create a safe place for our Indigenous students to receive counselling and connect with their peers.”
The grand re-opening celebration included a welcoming from Karl Dockstader, Executive Director, Niagara Regional Native Centre and was followed by a luncheon that was open to the NC community. Dockstader also shared insights and teachings about local treaties and the importance of honouring these sacred agreements.
“It is our hope that this new space will help Niagara College’s Indigenous students find a sense of community and understanding as they navigate their educational journey,” said Hogan.
Niagara College opened its first Aboriginal Student Resource Centre at the Welland Campus in 1992 and its first in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2015. Both campuses also feature Indigenous gardens.
For information about Indigenous Education at NC visit niagaracollege.ca/indigenouseducation/
