The Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services at Cambrian College supports Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit students in their transition to College life helping to keep a connection to their community and culture throughout their College journey.
Our goal is to offer students support through this transition phase in their lives. From student support advisors to cultural programs, to just providing a space for friends to connect and enjoy a home away from home – we want to help students feel comfortable, be successful, and achieve their goals.
Read our Indigenous Education Protocol
Truth and Reconciliation
Every year, our Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services and the Cambrian Indigenous Student Circle (CISC) lead Orange Shirt Day commemorations at Cambrian. Orange Shirt Day is held every September to remember all Indigenous students who attended residential schools, particularly those who died while in the care of the schools. Given current circumstances, we support all members of the Cambrian community who may wish to wear orange.
Cambrian staff and students may contact Wabnode to learn more about residential schools and the process of truth and reconciliation. Please see the contact information below. A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected and emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866 925-4419.
Learn More
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)
May 5th is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
It is also known as Red Dress Day. Since 2011, people have been hanging red dresses in public places to remember missing and murdered Indigenous females in Canada, who are estimated to number in the thousands.
The red dress as a symbol was chosen for a variety of reasons. According to Indigenous culture, red is the only colour spirits can see, and is a way of calling the spirits of missing and murdered women and girls back to their loved ones. The colour red also symbolizes many things, such as blood, anger, love and the strength of women.
To learn more about MMIWG, visit https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/.
We have developed a teaching module, 4 Seasons of Reconciliation. Upon completion of 4 Seasons of Reconciliation, you can contact marnie.seal@cambriancollege.ca to receive a certificate.
Click here to access the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation module.
Elders on Campus
- Provide one-on-one support, guidance, and encouragement.
- Help students to maintain and achieve wellness and life balance through mental, emotional, and spiritual supports.
- Participate and lead various ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year.
- Lead various activities such as community circles, cultural teachings, community hand drumming and singing, Art Speaks, and the Elder’s Corner.
Community Development and Partnerships
Bebaandanaadmaaget
- Provide support to Indigenous partners.
- Develop and build relationships with community organizations, the College, and the student body, such as N’Swakamok Friendship Centre, Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, Native Housing, and Better Beginnings Better Futures.
- Participate in community Honouring Ceremonies.
- Collaborate with Indigenous education counsellors and facilitate student supports.
- Program delivery provided in communities, such as pre-apprenticeship.
- Develop memorandums of understanding with potential Indigenous partners.
Indigenous Student Success and Support
Gchi-kinnomaagwein Miinwaa Enaadmaaget
- Assist students in identifying areas of difficulty and in developing strategies to improve their performance.
- Provide appropriate information, direction, and referral to other departments and agencies.
- Provide support services, through community agency referrals to students who are experiencing social/personal challenges in the areas of health, affordable housing, child–care, and financial need.
- Provide academic support to students.
- Assist students with funding and scholarship/bursary applications.
- Act as a liaison between the Wabnode and The Learning Centre for tutoring support.
Indigenous Engagement
- Encourage students to self-identify.
- Promote student life events across the College and throughout the community.
- Organize, support, and facilitate Indigenous student events and activities offered through Wabnode.
- Support students in their transition from their community to the city, helping to create a home away from home.
Contact
| Wabnode Contacts | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Ron Sarazin Director, Indigenous Student Success and Services | (705) 566-8101 extension 7855 | ron.sarazin@cambriancollege.ca |
| Rosalie Henderson Indigenous Community Development Officer | (705) 566-8101, extension 7700 | rosalie.henderson@cambriancollege.ca |
| Kelly Senecal Indigenous Cultural Coordinator | (705) 566-8101, extension 7418 | kelly.senecal@cambriancollege.ca |
| Nokomis Martina Osawamick Elder | (705) 566-8101, extension 6903 | martina.osawamick@cambriancollege.ca |
| Leland Bell Elder | (705) 566-8101, extension 6258 | leland.bell@cambriancollege.ca |