Collège Boréal in Sudbury officially inaugurated its Indigenous pavilion on Tuesday.

Speeches, drumming, dancing and singing marked the opening ceremony.

Called Shkode Heart of Fire Pavilion, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit education center will offer a combination of in-person and online learning. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

Called Shkode Heart of Fire Pavilion, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit education center will offer a combination of in-person and online learning.

“We are an educational institution and a community college,” said Daniel Giroux, president of the college.

“So any time we can give back to the students and the community, it’s extremely important.”

Planning for the pavilion began in 2019 and construction began in January of this year.

“It takes a lot of consultation, even when it comes to naming,” Giroux said.

“For us, we wanted to do it right. We wanted to build well, so we weren’t under any pressure. It’s important to consult the elders, the community. That’s probably why it took a little bit longer time.”

The pavilion was funded by the college with a total investment of more than $1.2 million as part of the institution’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action.

The name, Shkode, is an Obijiway word meaning “flame” or “fire”, intended to welcome to encourage learning and deeper understanding.

Called Shkode Heart of Fire Pavilion, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit education center will offer a combination of in-person and online learning. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

“The fire that is in our heart, almost like a welcome around a campfire,” said Richard Meilleur, an elder in residence at Shkode.

“This fire that we use for knowledge, recognition of knowledge, sharing and teaching with the community, with students.”

The pavilion spans more than 2,000 square feet and includes two meeting rooms and a circle for smudging ceremonies and traditional events, intended to encourage online and in-person activities.

Additionally, works of art pay tribute to Indigenous artists, including a collection dedicated to the memory of Métis leader Louis Riel.

“The most important thing was to bring together the objects that were present and that represented the people where they come from. So when they come to the center, they have a part of themselves in this center,” said Best.

“It’s like saying, ‘I know this symbol. I know I’m welcome here.'”

The workshops have become available to students online since the fall of this year. Now, with the opening of the pavilion, more will be available in person.