Three postsecondary institutions have recently opened new Indigenous outdoor spaces. The University of Calgary collaborated with Indigenous Elders from local First Nations to open an outdoor study space designed to promote inclusivity and cultural integration. The area—which features outdoor seating, study areas, accessible tables, lighting, and technology access points—is designed based on four foundational concepts: Ways of Knowing, Ways of Being, Ways of Doing, and Ways of Connecting. The University of Waterloo opened an Indigenous gathering space called “Skén:nen Tsi Nón:we Tewaya’taróroks,” which means “where we all gather together peacefully.” The space will be used for teaching, celebrations, and gatherings and will physically represent the presence of Indigenous peoples. Trent University has opened a new medicine garden with a Healing Pathway and a 30-foot Tipi on its Durham campus. The gardens will be used to grow traditional medicines that can be used in events hosted by Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning.
