Schools open Indigenous-focused centres, spaces

Schools across Canada have opened new Indigenous-focused centres and spaces. Western University has opened a new centre for Indigenous learning called the Wampum Learning Lodge. The lodge supports Indigenous ways of knowing and provides a safe space for Indigenous people and allies to learn and share together, and includes gathering spaces, a medicine garden, kitchen, a wellness room, an outdoor classroom, and more. Cambrian College has unveiled a new facility called Wiidokaazawin (The Gathering Space), which is designed to encourage cultural exchange and partnership. The space is modeled after the medicine wheel, and includes a large, circular table at its centre that facilitates inclusion and equality. Sexsmith Secondary School in Alberta has opened a new Indigenous culture space in its library that showcases the Seven Sacred Teachings, ceremonial items, artwork, and more. “[We] realized Sexsmith Secondary School needed an infusion of Indigenous culture and education,” said Sexsmith teacher Angela Creighton, who partnered with another teacher to start the project.