Logo designed by Champlain Indigenous graduate, Aurora Dailleboust.
Indigenous Students
M8wigamikw is a space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. M8-WI-GA-MIKW (first syllable pronounced MON) is an Abenaki word meaning “our community space or communal house.” We are located at Champlain College, which is situated at Nikitawtegwasis (Little Forks) on the ancestral territory of the W8banaki Nation, the Ndakina.
Indigenous students gather here to study, grow friendships, and come together weekly for community meals and get-togethers.
We help students succeed by connecting them with cultural/social activities, student success resources, and the community on campus.
Logo designed by Champlain Indigenous student, Julie-Ann Vollant.
Services include:
• Individualized academic support and mentoring from the Student Life Counsellor for Indigenous students
• Assistance in applying for funding, scholarships, and post-collegiate and university studies
• Help with the transition from community to college life
• One-on-one tutoring and writing workshops available through a pedagogical tutor
• Opportunities for participation in Indigenous academic events
Land-based Learning Activities
Land-based learning activities take place once a month with a teacher who focuses on wellness and skill-building activities. Students can improve their knowledge and practice of shelter-building, fire-making, plant identification, meditation, and coal burning.
Traditional Skills
Traditional skills like moose-hide tanning, beading, and basket-making workshops are available on Champlain and Bishop’s University campus each year.
Indigenous Language Activities
Kchi al8msakw means the “big room” in Abenaki and establishes a space for the promotion of Indigenous languages and cultures at Champlain-Lennoxville and Bishop’s University.
The project engages with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by providing a forum in which Indigenous languages and voices are heard, explored, and promoted (this is supported by PRESE Estrie Higher Education). The project hosts extra-curricular learning activities, presentations, discussions, and exchanges on Indigenous languages and cultures, paying particular attention to the Abenaki language. It also draws on Indigenous knowledge and experience by inviting guest speakers to present on these topics.
National Week of Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, we honor the victims and families of the residential school system. We remember the children lost to the residential school system. We dedicate this week to learning the truth of the history and legacy of residential schools and day schools through the voices of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people. On September 30, we participate in Orange Shirt Day to raise awareness and commemorate this day in response to Call to Action #80 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
Recommended Links:
https://prese.ca/en/truth-reconciliation/
https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
MMIWG2S Awareness Days and Vigils
October 4, February 14, and May 5 are days to honor the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. These are also days to support the families of MMIWGS victims and to find healing. On the Champlain and Bishop’s University campus, we honour these days through participation in vigils and awareness activities.
Recommended Link:
Moose Hide Campaign
We participate in the Moose Hide Campaign Day each year. This campaign encourages Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to stand up against violence towards women and children. It is a day to fast, wear a moose hide pin, donate, and learn.
Recommended Link:
