Be-Dah-Bin Gamik opened its doors to the Conestoga community, welcoming everyone to visit the new space and meet Indigenous Services employees and elders.
Danielle Boissoneau, director of Indigenous Initiatives, talks about the ceremony room in Be-Dah-Bin Gamik.
“We love people coming into our space to visit,” said Raven Morand, Indigenous Services co-ordinator. “Students enjoy coming in here and finding a sense of community. Really, it is a safe space.”
The open house on September 6 at the Kitchener - Doon campus was an opportunity to learn more about Be-Dah-Bin Gamik, which provides culturally grounded support and services to Indigenous students at the college, and view the thoughtfully renovated gathering space including a ceremony room where smudging ceremonies are held.
“It’s very calming. I love this space,” said Danielle Boissoneau, director of Indigenous Initiatives.
Holistic care is provided at the centre, which includes an Indigenous library, kitchen, living room and quiet rooms as well as a food bank for Indigenous students, garden outside and hot lunches on Wednesdays as part of the focus on food security. Workshops and initiatives like an Indigenous book club are also hosted and Elders visit on Friday.
Elder Peter Schuler of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and his wife Lois Thomas of Six Nations of the Grand River regularly attend Be-Dah-Bin Gamik to talk with students and share their knowledge. Schuler said it makes a difference for the students, who often are away from their home communities and looking to connect with Indigenous values and practices. The message he often shares with students: “We create what we think.”
The open house also included booths from campus services and supports to let students know about what’s available and, Morand added, also to build relationships and trust. The aim is to ensure Indigenous students have the support needed to succeed.
“What we’re doing here is being their champions,” Morand said. “These connections make a world of difference.”
All Indigenous services and initiatives at Conestoga can now be found in one spot on the college’s website at www.conestogac.on.ca/indigenous. A new homepage was launched earlier this year to merge all the Indigenous-related content under the banner Indigenous at Conestoga to better reflect online the work being done at Conestoga to support Indigenous students and employees.
To learn more and access resources, visit the Office of Indigenous Initiatives or email bedanbingamik@conestogac.on.ca.