�԰ɵ��

Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre Grand Opening

Jan 24, 2025

A group of �԰ɵ�� staff and students stand in front of an orange ribbon ready to cut it

�԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) celebrated the completion of the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on January 23, 2025, highlighting its cultural and community significance. While the Centre has been a vital resource for Indigenous students since opening last September, the installation of its indoor mural and signage now symbolizes the full realization of this important space.

A large group explores the new Indigenous Student Centre. The space features dynamic architectural and lighting accents

The Pónokaisissáhta Centre provides a welcoming environment where Indigenous students (and all members of the Polytechnic community) can access personalized advising, cultural programming and opportunities for connection. It embodies the principles of �԰ɵ��’s Reconcili-Action Plan, a strategic guide for fostering reconciliation through education, engagement and community-building.

Stuart Cullum speaks in front of a large crowd with an orange ribbon in the foreground

“Part of our responsibility to the Indigenous students is not only bringing more Indigenous students into our learning environments, but ensuring they are successful,” said Stuart Cullum, �԰ɵ�� president. “This space does so many things, but it also ensures that the Indigenous students have a space to go to study, to learn, to meditate, to do ceremony.”

The event celebrating this milestone kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an open house that featured storytelling by the fire in the outdoor space, live music from Métis Fiddler Billy Joseph in The FarSide Bar and Grill and the sharing of bannock and other refreshments. Guests toured the Centre, connecting with the Polytechnic’s Indigenous Initiatives team to learn more about the services offered and the Centre’s role in supporting student success.

A man performs in front of a crowd in the FarSide at �԰ɵ�� to celebrate the new Indigenous Centre

“By having our student centre, it allows us as an institution, myself as a Dean, and our staff members to address the unique needs of the Indigenous student population here at �԰ɵ��,” said Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives.

Lloyd Desjarlais addresses a large crowd at the Pónokaisissáhta Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre is a place where students can feel a sense of belonging, access resources and celebrate Indigenous culture. It also serves as a reminder of �԰ɵ��’s commitment to creating a campus where all learners are supported, and where the broader community can engage in meaningful intercultural dialogue.

A group sits in front of a bright window inside the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre

Students, faculty, staff and community members are always welcome to visit the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on �԰ɵ��’s main campus.

Related News

A group sits outside in a large circle on a sunny day. Behind them are three teepees

�԰ɵ�� Hosts Indigenous Culture Camp

In collaboration with regional partners, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, �԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) welcomed educators, faculty, staff and students to Indigenous Culture Camp May 30 and 31. Alongside Indigenous leaders, Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, �԰ɵ�� offered this culturally immersive professional and personal development opportunity on �԰ɵ��’s main campus. “Indigenous Culture Camp provided an opportunity for participants to connect and expand their knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being through land-based learning,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean of Indigenous Initiatives. “This event is one example of how �԰ɵ�� creates meaningful reconciliation initiatives and educational enhancements for diverse stakeholders.” Indigenous Culture Camp featured a variety of sessions that provided authentic outdoor teaching and learning opportunities in tipis, Métis trapper’s tents and an Inuit tupiq. The sessions included a Métis Fiddling and Jigging Demonstration, Traditional Parenting: Medicine Wheel Teachings and Blackfoot Teaching History, Traditions and Language. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders from the region played significant roles in the teachings at the Camp, leading sessions by sharing their culture and knowledge. As a benefit to students of all ages, teachers and post-secondary instructors will be able to integrate the knowledge and experiences they have gained from

Rocks painted in bright orange with "Every Child Matters" in dark letters.

�԰ɵ�� Offers Indigenous initiatives & Events Leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

With a commitment to reconciliation through action, �԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) will offer a range of Indigenous initiatives and events on campus leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. On Monday, September 23, the Polytechnic’s Truth and Reconciliation Week (September 23-26) begins with an Indigenous Flag Raising Ceremony on main campus at 9 am. Then, the film nanekawâsis will provide attendees with a deeper insight into the life and work of nêhiyaw artist Dr. George Littlechild. Dr. Littlechild is an �԰ɵ�� alum and an honourary degree recipient of �԰ɵ��’s 2024 Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree. The documentary will be shown in the Polytechnic’s Arts Centre at 10 am. “Throughout Truth and Reconciliation Week, �԰ɵ�� will provide a variety of immersive learning opportunities for students, employees and community members to advance their knowledge about Truth and Reconciliation,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives. “These initiatives will create opportunities for the �԰ɵ�� community to gather together and collectively acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation and continue to progress on the journey of respect and understanding.” Some of the other opportunities available at �԰ɵ�� during Truth and Reconciliation Week include Story Sharing sessions and Arts and Crafts

Indigenous drummers performing at the Polytechnic's flag raising ceremony

�԰ɵ�� raises Indigenous Flags

At a memorable ceremony, �԰ɵ�� raised Treaty 6, 7, and Métis flags on its main campus, signaling the Polytechnic’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Actions during Truth and Reconciliation Week. Truth and Reconciliation Week, which occurs from September 26-30, 2022, is an initiative held by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to share knowledge, to memorialize children lost to residential schools and to honour survivors and their families. “Throughout Truth and Reconciliation Week, �԰ɵ�� has offered a variety of learning, reflective and engagement opportunities for students, employees and community members about Truth and Reconciliation,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Director, Indigenous Initiatives. “The Indigenous Flag Raising Ceremony was an opportunity for the community to gather together as we collectively acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation and continue to progress to a place of respect and understanding.” During the week, learners, employees and community members had the opportunity to design a feather that helped to create a Feather and Residential School Timeline Display with the intention of continuing to foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. The vast array of initiatives throughout the week offered participants the opportunity to learn and to reflect on what reconciliation means