Lakehead, Trent, Queen’s, UTM raise Indigenous structures, symbols on campus

Lakehead University, Trent University Durham, Queen’s University, and the University of Toronto Mississauga have introduced Indigenous-focused spaces and symbols to their campuses. Lakehead held a National Truth and Reconciliation Flag Raising ceremony on its campus to honour the survivors of Canada’s residential and day school system. “This is an incredibly important location. There are many First Nations in this large geographic area and we want to be inclusive of all of them at the university and come together as often as we can,” said Lakehead President Gillian Siddall. Trent Durham’s community came together to raise a 16-foot tipi and open the space with a Pipe Ceremony. Queen’s University opened an outdoor Indigenous gathering space that is designed for sacred ceremonial activities and teaching and learning activities. UTM raised its Tipi and Teaching Lodge, which will be permanent structures on campus. The Tipi will be used for traditional, sacred ceremonies, while the Teaching Lodge will be used as a teaching environment for special events.