A new Indigenous Circle was completed Wednesday on campus at Loyalist College, in recognition of National Orange Shirt Day, honouring the Indigenous People who attended Residential Schools in Canada.
Construction of the A’nó:wara Learning Circle, an outdoor space on campus, was dedicated to the promotion of Indigenous culture, tradition and ceremony.
A small smudging ceremony was held as the Circle was cleansed with sacred smoke, a ceremony to mark a safe and positive learning environment. Loyalist President Ann Marie Vaughan says supporting the Indigenous community members by having a designated space for traditional practices and cross-cultural understanding, is an important step in the process of Truth and Reconciliation.
Vaughan added, “We are proud to have this representation of Indigenous knowledge and heritage on campus where it will be used for teaching outdoor classes, facilitating workshops, and holding traditional ceremonies.”
Named for the Mohawk word for ‘turtle,’ the A’nó:wara Learning Circle incorporates several symbols of Indigenous culture into its design.
The circular layout was chosen in accordance with the role of the circle as the foundation of all Indigenous ceremonies.
Within the circle is a stone turtle design: the outer ring of the turtle shell is made up of 28 stones, representing the 28 days of the lunar month, while the 12 larger stones in the interior of the turtle’s shell, plus the central firepit feature, represent the 13 Grandmother Moons.
A medicine wheel signifying the four races of people surrounds the fire pit.
The Manager of Indigenous Services Paul Latchford indicated in a statement that the Learning Circle provides a safe space on campus to share teachings and cultural ceremonies.
“The relationship with Mother Earth is sacred, and the interconnectedness of Indigenous Peoples with the land and the natural world is a lived experience.”
