Seneca College welcomes ceremonial tipi to campus

Ontario Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer helped celebrate the installation of a traditional tipi at Seneca College’s Newnham Campus in Toronto on Oct. 15. The tipi was designated a sacred space where teachings will be provided and traditional ceremonies performed.

While thanking Seneca for its role as a leading Ontario college, Zimmer also acknowledged the campus as the ancestral territory of the Mississauga New Credit First Nation.

During the event, Seneca President David Agnew stressed the significance of Seneca’s connection to Canada’s First Nations people. 

“Tipis have evolved from being homes to becoming a sacred cultural space that’s both symbolic and practical,” said Agnew. “At Seneca we’re doing our best to build trusting relationships and build bridges.”

As part of Seneca’s ongoing commitment to Aboriginal issues, Agnew signed the National Indigenous Education Protocol, which is a document that highlights the importance of structures and approaches required to address Indigenous peoples’ learning needs. It supports the self-determination and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities.

In an opening prayer, Blu Waters, Seneca’s Elder on campus and a Cree and Métis Elder of the Micmac Wolf Clan, thanked the college for its support in continuing to move its positive relationship with First Nations people forward.

“This tipi is an extension of the college and an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to learn about Indigenous culture,” said Waters.

She added that the tipi will be a comforting site for Seneca’s more than 700 Aboriginal students.

“For many First Nations students, the tipi will help them feel welcome and safe,” she said.

The ceremony also included traditional songs and prayers, as well as a sage and tobacco ritual inside the tipi.

Photo caption 1: Seneca College celebrated the installation of a ceremonial tipi with traditional songs and prayers on Oct. 15.

Photo caption 2: Seneca College invited community members to take part in a sage and tobacco ceremony inside its newly installed tipi on Oct. 15.