Centennial College is proud to be a part of a rich history of education in this province, and acknowledges that we are on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We pay tribute to their legacy and the legacy of all First Peoples of Canada all year. Each June, we celebrate National Indigenous History month. During this time of reflection and celebration, we pay tribute to the diverse histories, cultures and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Turtle Island, which is considered by many to be the continent of North America.
Here’s what’s happening during Indigenous History Month:
On June 1, Indigenous flags will be raised at Progress Campus for the month.
On June 7, the College hosts the Pride Picnic, an outdoor event that includes entertainment and food, as well as an opportunity to raise funds for Centennial College’s 2SLGBTQQIA+ Scholarship. Prizes offered in a silent auction include a three-course dinner for 10 guests with wine pairings, hosted at The Event Centre with celebrity Chef Rodney Bowers, as well as spa packages, artwork and much more. Centennial College will be matching donation funds raised. Last year, the College community raised more than $30,000 for the scholarship, which went on to supporting 60 students. If you would like to give, please visit here.
On June 20, comedian Stephanie Pangowish will be putting on a special session about Indigenous humour, and how it can be a vessel for healing, as well as a means for teaching and learning.
On June 21, which is National Indigenous Peoples Day, Seán Kinsella, Director, Eight Fire, will introduce Centennial’s new Indigenous Cultural Guide, and provide a virtual tour of new spaces for the Place for Reconciliation for All Our Relations at Ashtonbee and Morningside campuses.
It’s a year-long commitment
Centennial College’s support for and respect of diverse Indigenous communities and students goes beyond National Indigenous History Month, and is something we are committed to continuing throughout the entire year. See the College’s Indigenous Strategic Framework for more information on the College’s ongoing work towards healing and reconciliation.
Additional supports and initiatives at Centennial include:
The Ka-naadmaadmi Bursary is available to support Indigenous students with financial expenses during school, and was created last year in partnership with Student Financial Services, the Centennial College Student Association (CCSAI) and the Place of Reconciliation for All Our Relations. All donations will be matched up to $15,000 by the College and 100% of your gift will go directly into the hands of students!
To donate to this Ka-naadmaadmi Bursary, please click here.
The Joseph McQuabbie Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the late Joseph McQuabbie, an Indigenous Outreach Coordinator for the college who was crucial in leading our journey to better relationships between all peoples. The scholarship will provide financial aid for an Indigenous learner.
You can donate to the scholarship here.
Our Stories: First Peoples in Canada, a unique multi-media resource in the form of a free e-textbook, Our Stories, was developed with Indigenous peoples from across Canada, and authored by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous creators from Centennial College.
The Indigenous Studies Resource Guide, is a compilation of resources created by the Centennial College Library focusing on education and awareness.
Speaking of the Library, of the many stories we have is A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder, written by Ma-Nee Chacaby, offering insight into the challenges faced by Indigenous and Two-Spirit communities, available to read now at the Centennial College Library.
You can discover which traditional territory you live on at native-land.ca
The Centennial College Indigenous Strategic Framework, a guide to Centennial’s commitments towards our Indigenous students and the actions we’re taking to fulfill them, is informed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, and the Universal Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Other local supports include:
- First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
- Woodland Cultural Centre
- Indian Residential School Survivor Society Crisis Line, open 24 hours a day at 1-800-721-0066
- Anishnawbe Health Toronto: 416-360-0486
- Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre: 416.360.4350
- Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction
- Native Youth Sexual Health Network