b'INDIGENOUS SPACESAn illustration of the new Indigenous House planned for University of Torontos Scarborough campusWe want to create a hub that will instil a growth in attendingUltimately, the holistic approach championed by the Indigenous university and that will also be tailored to the cultural needshub will address several Calls to Action that advocate for the of our First Nations students. [We] also will be welcoming ourutilization of Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods in Inuit students, says Denis Wahka;onwe Gros-Louis, directorclassrooms and lecture halls. It will be like a community, a glue general of the FNEC.that brings all the aspects together into a one-of-a-kind cultur-ally relevant and culturally welcoming space, Gros-Louis adds. Gros-Louis, whose Wendat name Wahka;onwe means the man who works for freedom, says the centre will help promote,WORKING TOGETHERprotect and preserve Indigenous heritage. While still in the plan- The University of Toronto has also taken steps to address the ning stages, once completed, Elders will be invited to participateneed for additional support for its Indigenous students. In in the education process. The goal is to offer ways of teaching2016, the university issued a report outlining its path forward: that are inspired by Indigenous traditions and challenge theAnswering the Call: Wecheehetowin, which means working orthodox norms typically found in Canadian universities.together. The report identifies Indigenous spaces as vital to fostering an inclusive environment for Indigenous students. Out The Indigenous hub will be located on the Universit Lavalof this concept, the universitys Indigenous House wasconceived. campus but will be open to Indigenous students from univer-sities and post-secondary institutions across Quebec. It willThe aim of Indigenous House, located on the universi-supplement the dedicated support the university has alreadytys Scarborough campus, is to provide a communal space started offering its Indigenous students, which Gros-Louis saysfor Indigenous students, staff and facultya space for has resulted in an increase in Indigenous graduates.research, reflection and ceremony, as well as the revival of Indigenouslanguages. Gros-Louiss work with the FNEC gives him a valuable perspective on the methods and initiatives that benefit Indigenous studentsThrough outreach and engagement with Indigenous organiza-and help them succeed academically. Providing virtual sessions,tions, students, faculty and Elder circles, the university received childcare and Indigenous language support, for instance, arecomprehensive input on what Indigenous House should look some of the services that will be offered at the hub. We haveand feel like. The final design, inspired by a wigwam and its set aside $4.6 million a year to teach traditional language andconnection to the land, will be realized through natural mate-to build our own teaching curriculum, Gros-Louis says. Somerials. There will be ground-based teaching areas, a central of our youths are not learning their language and not as fluentsacred fireplace, a childrens play area and outdoor kitchens as they could be. that students can use. Its really important to look at those pieces in order for us to say that we truly have an Indigenous Scheduled to open in 2025, the Indigenous hub will be a phys- House, says U of Ts assistant director of Indigenous initia-ical space reflective of Indigenous cultures and traditional waystives Kelly Crawford.of knowing. As such, it will encourage Indigenous students to be themselves and not feel as though they need to be Quebecois,There are cultural considerations incorporated into the French or English, Gros-Louis says.construction as well, to allow for traditional practices which Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 23'