Aboriginal Initiatives office leading the way
Nipissing University held an open house on Thursday to welcome people to the new Aboriginal Initiatives office and unveil the office’s Ojibwe name, Enji giigdoyang (pronounced enji GEEG do young), while informing the community of the office’s mission.
In Nipissing dialect, Enji giigdoyang translates roughly to mean where we come to meet, discuss and talk about things.
The open house began with a smudging ceremony and song, both led by Nipissing University professor Terry Dokis. The new office space features a large common area where students can study, work on assignments, discuss courses and relax. Office spaces and computers are also available for students. The back of the area includes office space for Aboriginal Initiatives staff and faculty.
As the central point at Nipissing University for all Aboriginal initiatives, the office plays a key role in building and managing partnerships with Aboriginal groups for research projects and other community-based learning programs.
“This office provides our Aboriginal students with a wonderful place to meet and discuss ideas, and it represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Nipissing’s relationships with our Aboriginal partners,” said Lesley Lovett-Doust, Nipissing University President. “Nipissing is recognized as a leader in Aboriginal education and this office is at the very heart of everything we do in that regard, from the co-ordination of academic courses, programs, research and learning support, to establishing and managing community partnerships and service-learning initiatives.”
“Located close to the main entrance of Nipissing University, this office offers a warm welcome to students and visitors alike. It operates as the central point for all matters relating to Aboriginal peoples,” said Laurie McLaren, director of the Aboriginal Initiatives office. “We are very excited to be able to offer our students this excellent facility to use as a resource that will enhance their university experience. We’ve got a great staff that work diligently in collaboration with our colleagues here at Nipissing, at Canadore College and in many different communities, to make our goals a reality and build on our leadership position in Aboriginal education.”
The Mission Statement of the Aboriginal Initiatives office is as follows:
The Aboriginal Initiatives office is dedicated to enriching the potential of all Aboriginal students through the promotion, development and support of an integrated learning environment. The office will also support the university and Aboriginal communities’ goals in developing and enhancing academic programming and research through strengthening existing relationships and working towards the development of partnerships.