Loyalist College Reinforces Community Partnerships at CFB Aboriginal Awareness Day
On May 26th Loyalist College participated in Canadian Forces Base Trenton’s Aboriginal Awareness Day, which marked the grand opening of the Three Sisters Garden. The event, which was a celebration and exploration of Aboriginal culture and the contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the Canadian Forces, provided an opportunity for CFB personnel and local high schools to interact with Elders from Tyendinaga and representatives from Loyalist’s Aboriginal Resource Centre.
The day began with the Mohawk recitation of the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen and a group smudging. After the dedication of the Three Sisters Garden a series of workshops were held featuring traditional arts lessons, the history and tradition of drum making, traditional dance with drummers and singers from Tyendinaga, and teachings by Professor Dan Longboat of Trent University and Loyalist’s Aboriginal Academic Liaison Suzanne Brant on the topics of traditional medicines and environmental knowledge. In addition to the workshops, Native soldiers and First Nations student projects were displayed throughout the event area.
Loyalist’s participation in the planning and management of the event is a reflection of the College’s commitment to support for Aboriginal peoples within the community and on campus, and to maximizing opportunities for personal and academic potential. The Aboriginal Resource Centre provides an environment in which students can further cultural activities and facilitates participation in the overall life of the College community.
“The representatives of our Loyalist Aboriginal Resource Centre sincerely appreciated the opportunity to participate in this event,” said Paul Latchford, Coordinator of Aboriginal Services at Loyalist College. “By hosting a series of workshops which included the making of leather medicine bags, a drumming ceremony and discussions regarding our responsibilities in the world of nature, we were able to make a meaningful contribution to heightening the participants’ awareness of our Aboriginal traditions and engage them in many of our cultural activities.”
“The College was honoured to be asked to participate in the Three Sisters Garden dedication at CFB on their Aboriginal Awareness Day,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “We have a rich cultural diversity on campus and the Aboriginal community is a valued part of this inclusiveness. Our Aboriginal Resource Centre provides outstanding support for Loyalist students of Aboriginal heritage, who make up a significant percentage of our full-time student body. We also have very strong ties to CFB Trenton, so this event provided a unique opportunity to reinforce our partnerships beyond campus.”
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca