Algoma University, Keyano College, and Vancouver Island University recently received funds toward Indigenous centres and buildings on campus. AlgomaU’s Makwa Waakaa’igan centre of cultural excellence has received an additional $2M investment from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. Makwa Waakaa’igan honours the Children of Shingwauk and their families, in addition to reclaiming and celebrating Anishinaabe lifeways and education in postsecondary spaces. Keyano’s Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), which is currently under development, received $100K from Syncrude. The centre will help Keyano to increase its percentage of Indigenous students, improve Indigenous graduation rates, and offer more opportunities for non-Indigenous students to learn about Indigenous heritage. VIU’s $4.2M expansion of the Shq’apthut building has received a $3.8M investment from the Government of British Columbia. The expanded building will feature a ceremonial space, offices for the Elder-in-residence, upgraded kitchen amenities, and more.
