Below is the original news release published at the time of this event. While some references are no longer current, the article provides details about important milestones in Loyalist’s history.
What began as a vision to proactively address the learning needs of students of First Nations backgrounds has culminated in today’s official opening of the new Aboriginal Resource Centre at Loyalist College. Sister communities to Tyendinaga represented at the opening included Six Nations and Akwesasne.
In honour of the gift of lifelong learning made possible by the Centre, today’s ceremony included a Thanksgiving Address in traditional language. The Address, which is the foundation of the Mohawk culture, represents gratitude to the Creator for all life. The celebration also included Tyendinaga Women’s Water Drum, recognizing Thanksgiving and friendship.
Leona Dombrowsky, MPP Prince Edward-Hastings, visited the College to participate in the opening of a new and improved space where Aboriginal students can meet, learn and share cultural experiences.
In April 2010 MPP Dombrowsky announced that Loyalist College would receive $66,000 to improve Aboriginal student space. As part of the five-year Open Ontario plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth, the investment has supported a range of enhancements, including renovations, new furniture and new computers. The College was very pleased to add to this investment to provide the enhanced Centre.
“The new Aboriginal Resource Centre will provide a welcoming learning space to encourage, support and celebrate Aboriginal heritage. The centre will bring students and staff together in a positive, interactive community for post-secondary studies,” said MPP Leona Dombrowsky, Prince Edward-Hastings.
Paul Latchford, the College’s Coordinator of Aboriginal Services, explained that the beautiful new Centre, “has been designed on egalitarian needs.” He stressed that the Centre is open to all members of the College – “everyone is welcome here – that’s what makes it so valuable.”
College President Maureen Piercy added her thanks to the provincial government. “This support is so important to the Aboriginal community within the College community,” she said. “The newly renovated space is a wonderful, welcoming space and resource which will be enjoyed by our students and staff and the entire community.”
For more information about the Aboriginal Resource Centre at Loyalist College, contact Paul Latchford, Coordinator of Aboriginal Services, at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2250 or platch@loyalistc.on.ca.
L to R: Member, Loyalist College Board of Governors, Barb Brant; MPP Prince Edward-Hastings, Leona Dombrowsky; Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy; Former Member and Chair, Board of Governors, Doug Maracle; Governor, Susan Scarborough; Trustee for Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, Mike Brant; Chair of Loyalist College Aboriginal Circle on Education, Patti Brinklow; Aboriginal Resource Centre Coordinator, Paul Latchford
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Media Contact: Edina Cappuccitti, College Advancement & External Relations, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2392; ecappuccitti@loyalistc.on.ca
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