The Indigenous Services & Initiatives department regularly hosts events and activities for students, staff and the community to enjoy.
Some events hosted include our Annual Pow Wow, Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week, Treaties Recognition Week events and activities, and many more.
We also host free workshops to learn more about Indigenous culture. Examples of past workshops include beading a poppy for Remembrance Day or an orange t-shirt pin for the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, making moccasins, learning about the Cree language, Seven Grandfather Teachings, and much more.
Watch for announcements from the Indigenous Services & Initiatives department about upcoming events!
Annual Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week
Annual Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week (ICAW) is a week-long series of events/activities that are open to all employees and students.
This week occurs during the month of September, each year and usually consists of traditional meals such as Bannock breakfast, workshops for creating Indigenous items such as dreamcatchers, cultural teachings, learning about Indigenous languages, and so much more.
Annual Powwow
A powwow is a cultural celebration showcasing drums, dance, regalia, food and crafts of Indigenous people that often takes place in the summer.
Northern College hosts a powwow each year at the Timmins Campus. All are welcome to attend and free bus transportation is offered for those who are attending from the Kirkland Lake or Haileybury campus regions. For more information, visit the Northern College Annual Traditional Powwow Facebook page.
First Week of November, Annually
A week that honours the importance of treaties and helps everyone to understand the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today. This week occurs during the first full week in November each year.
The Indigenous Services & Initiatives Department, as well as many other organizations distribute learning materials regarding treaties during this week.
Here are some materials previously shared by various organizations:
The month of June, Annually
National Indigenous History Month in June is an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It’s a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada.
Watch for announcements about events happening on campus or in the community.
Annually, on June 21
National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st annually is when many Indigenous groups and communities celebrate their culture and heritage on June 21 or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day is recognized on September 30 annually.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. This day often includes exploring the rich and diverse culture, voices, experiences and stories of Indigenous people.
On September 30, we encourage all employees to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. In addition, employees are welcome to participate in Truth & Reconciliation events taking place on campus.
National Day for Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), also known as “Red Dress Day,” is recognized on May 5th of each year.
Also known as “Red Dress Day,” it began in response to the alarming number of missing or murdered Indigenous women. A 2014 RCMP report titled, “Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Overview,” reveals that more than 1,000 Indigenous women were murdered in a span of 30 years in Canada (1980-2012). At the time of the report, Indigenous women and girls represented 16% of all female homicides in the country, but only 4% of the total population. The day also includes Trans and Two-Spirit Indigenous individuals who have gone missing or have been murdered.
You can wear red on May 5 to raise awareness about MMIWG in Canada. To learn more, visit https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/ (National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls).
Cultural Workshops
The Indigenous Services & Initiatives department regularly offers free workshops to learn more about Indigenous culture.
Examples of past workshops include beading a poppy for Remembrance Day or an orange t-shirt pin for the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, making moccasins, learning about the Cree language, Seven Grandfather Teachings, and much more.
Watch for announcements from the Indigenous Services & Initiatives department about upcoming workshops.
Elders on Campus
Elders are available to anyone interested in learning more about Indigenous knowledge, and culture or to anyone who would like to speak to an Elder for support.
Elders are historians, advisors, counsellors, spiritual guides and healers who act as teachers and safeguard traditional knowledge through the transmission of culture and language. Northern College recognizes the significant role of traditional knowledge and the importance of passing such teachings to future generations. The College is pleased to provide Elders on Campus who foster the well-being of students and staff by sharing their experiences, knowledge, and wisdom with the College community.
Elders value education, support students, and inspire an enriched environment of cultural understanding and diversity. During the academic year, students and staff can consult and converse with an Elder who may provide one-on-one mentoring, share cultural teachings, support curriculum and learning, and participate in events that reflect, celebrate, and respect Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Please contact the Indigenous Student Advisor on your campus for more information. https://www.northerncollege.ca/students/advising/indigenous/
Indigenous Student Advising
Indigenous advisors are available to meet with all students with any questions or needs you may have. Indigenous Advisors create a welcoming environment and ensure students are supported throughout the course of their college experience.
With our Advising Services, you will have access to peer tutoring, Elders on campus, health services and fitness centres, Indigenous student lounges and more.
Connect with Indigenous Services & Initiatives for more information.
