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Gallery: New pavilion housing the Boréal indigenous educational center Back to video

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The Shkode Heart of Fire Pavilion serves as a central gathering space for Boreal First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Center activities across the province, the college said in a news release.

Spanning more than 2,000 square feet, the pavilion includes workspaces, two meeting rooms and a circle for smudging ceremonies and traditional events. A mural by Indigenous artist Jessica Somers is also on display, as well as a collection of artwork dedicated to the memory of Métis leader Louis Riel in a large display case.

Outside is a 32-foot-long canoe, built using traditional techniques, and an indigenous medicinal garden featuring native plants like sage used in sacred rituals.

“Fifteen years after the opening of the Louis-Riel Center, Collège Boréal once again affirms its daily commitment to Indigenous communities with the inauguration of the new Skhode Heart of Fire Pavilion,” declared Daniel Giroux, president of Collège Boréal . “These facilities, along with their services, are part of a humble but concrete effort to encourage future generations to gain a deeper understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures in a spirit of collaboration and reconciliation.

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The responsibilities of the Collège Boréal First Nations, Métis and Inuit Educational Center include raising awareness of Indigenous history through workshops, promoting partnerships to share best practices between community organizations and post-secondary institutions, organizing in-person and online conferences and actively collaborating on applied research initiatives.

“Respecting Indigenous traditions and supporting the success of our self-identified students are an integral part of Collège Boréal’s mission to promote equity, diversity and inclusion for a more just society,” added Nancy Raymond , Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Relations. in college. “The official opening of our new Shkode Heart of Fire Hall is a lasting legacy for all of our students, who enrich our campus with the diversity of their cultures.