Lori Myers, Aboriginal Student Advisor
Speaking at the Faculty of Arts'Truth and Reconciliation, Good Relations, and Indigenizing the Academy event last week, Jacqueline Romanow, chair of Indigenous studies at the University of Winnipeg, said Indigenous students on campuses across Canada are "othered" at every opportunity.
With the opening of the faculty's Aboriginal Gathering Space Oct. 26, the people behind the project hope that this divide will begin to be bridged, and that with a dedicated and restful space for conversation and community building, Indigenous students will find a place of belonging.
"Arts strives to be a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous students," said Dean Lesley Cormack. "We want to do everything possible to ensure their success. This space marks an early step."
Lori Myers, Aboriginal student adviser, said a dedicated space such as this can be transformational, especially given that the 171 self-identified Aboriginal students are spread throughout a large and diverse faculty.
"I've met with a lot of students in the last three years, and they've all spoken about how great it would be to have a space to meet other Aboriginal students," said Myers. "They'll go to a class and they'll feel like a visible minority, like they're the only one. Community is really important for Aboriginal people - it's a part of who you are as a person. The Aboriginal Gathering Space will foster a sense of belonging to this space, to this degree, to campus and to Edmonton."
Elder Pauline Paulson was on hand for the opening ceremony Wednesday, along with Wendy Rodgers, deputy provost; Kelsey Dokis-Jansen, manager of Aboriginal initiatives; and Jodi Stonehouse with the Faculty of Native Studies.
Myers noted that an elder will be available once a month for sharing of traditional knowledges and consultation. Diversity will be the key, said Myers, because there are many Indigenous knowledge keepers within Treaty 6 territory (and beyond).
Art donated by Indigenous students animates the space, as will future contributions of Indigenous reading and reference materials, and traditional medicines such as sweetgrass. Myers hopes to bring mentors from an existing peer mentorship program to the space several times per term to deepen community relationships.
"There is a high turnover of first-year students," she said. "If we're able to engage them in that critical year, then maybe they can find the supports they need to be successful."
The name "Aboriginal Gathering Space" may also change, subject to consultations with students.
Myers said she would also like to see non-Aboriginal people in the space-"building relationships in the spirit of reconciliation"-but in the end, "It's about the students. This is for them."
The Aboriginal Gathering Space will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
The Faculty of Arts respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people.