An Indigenous symbol of community gathering is now visible in the west end of Orillia.
Students, staff and community members came together Wednesday to raise a tipi that will sit on the Lakehead University property next to the youth community garden.
The tipi isn’t just a gathering place, said media studies student Theresa VandeBurgt.
“It’s important to recognize our place as settlers and colonizers and to recognize the land we’re on,” said the vice-president of the Lakehead University Student Union. “I think the tipi is a constant reminder and symbol of that as we work toward reconciliation.”
VandeBurgt was on campus with several other students and community members Wednesday, when participants helped carry poles and raise the structure. The event was kicked off with traditional smudge, which was followed by an abridged version of the sacred water ceremony.
Ralph King, of Rama First Nation, then gathered all of the men and began instructing them on how the tipi is constructed.
An hour later, the tipi was up and ready to host gatherings around a cozy fire burning inside.
“It's good for ceremonies,” said King, who uses tipis during his ceremonies as a medicine man. “You can do teachings in there and be open to letting everybody in. It's not just for Native peoples; it's also for non-Natives and all cultures.”
Having this space on campus will be good for the community, he said.
“Sometimes it's just nice to sit in front of the fire,” said King. “A good fire always soothes your spirit.”
Allysha Wassegijig, Aboriginal initiatives co-ordinator at Lakehead, who started the initiative last year, said it’s been an overwhelming and incredible experience. She hopes it becomes a regular feature on campus.
“The tipi is going to be a space for students, staff, faculty, as well as people participating in the youth community gardening project, to gather and have a space for teaching and learning,” said Wassegijig. “It's also a nice social space for people to get together and teach and learn.”
It's all about community, collaboration, partnership, respect and honouring the land and the place, said Denise Baxter, vice-provost of Aboriginal initiatives.
“It's a privilege and it's an honour and it's a big responsibility,” she said. “I'm watching different people, some of whom I know, some of whom are from the community, coming together to build one space.”
The university, said Baxter, is a visitor on Chippewa land. Since its inception a decade ago, Lakehead's Orillia campus has been working with Rama elders and other First Nations to build a relationship.
“It's not something that we take lightly,” said Baxter. “Once you start, you can't stop, and nor would you want to.
“I anticipate as the campus grows and new buildings come up, our partnerships will grow and this will grow as well.”
