ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´

Shé:kon sewakekon,

As many of you may know, the Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space has newly been named ‘Tsi Yakwanahstahsontéhrha – the place where we extend the rafters’. This name was chosen to honour our former AVP Kanonhsyonne, Janice Hill, and the many inspiring, dedicated, and formative years spent on Indigenization and reconciliation at ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´. Taking inspiration for its name from the ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´ Truth and Reconciliation Task Force report, the space is intended to be a space for community engagement, collaboration, learning and (un)learning – and with those, reconciliation. 

For the Indigenous community on campus, these are reclamation spaces – creating opportunities for us to be out on the land. A space for ceremony, community gatherings, feasts, fire, and so on. Within an otherwise grey, colonial institution, these spaces are very important for the Indigenous community on campus to feel safe, supported, and represented. 

In September 2024, our Associate Director gave a speech during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and was very clear that these spaces be used respectfully and with good intentions. 

We are disappointed that this has not been the case. We are so deeply frustrated to continuously find Tsi Yakwanahstahsontéhrha (the Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space) be used as a garbage dump, for a place to drink alcohol, or a place to eat lunch (and leave it there). These uses are so far disconnected from the intended use and symbolism of the space, there are almost no words for this behaviour. 
We are similarly experiencing the same issue with our indoor space, Kanonhweratónhtshera / G’di-mikwanim / The Welcoming Room in Mac-Corry. This indoor classroom, that is intended to be a space for Indigenous learning and community gathering, has constantly been left in disarray. This seems to be increasing as what was once a bit of garbage left around has escalated into broken furniture and a clear lack of respect for the space. 

We’re writing this today as a call out for allyship, understanding, and respect. Engaging in thoughtful, kind use of campus spaces even when you no one is around to see it happen. Respectfully cleaning up after yourself when using any space, but especially a dedicated space. We are optimistic that this behaviour is not intentional and hope that with a bit of attention, we can continue to share these spaces together. 

In peace and friendship,
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives