Introducing Saint Paul University’s Indigenous Centre

Located in Guigues 1141, the Indigenous Centre creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for Indigenous students and staff.

A space that is free from all forms of violence regardless of gender identity or orientation, it provides the freedom to learn about Indigenous cultures through Indigenous world views, traditional ways of knowing and spirituality. It is also a space for promoting Indigenous culture, values and history to help foster positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the Saint Paul University community.

The Centre’s two knowledge keepers, Marie-Louise Perron and Mizel Gauthier, are available to welcome visitors and to support students in their journey toward academic success.

A Look Inside

While the Centre already offers its services to the university community, it will have its official opening and naming ceremony once COVID-19 restrictions allow. In the meantime, please take this sneak peek at the Centre’s unique design.

Designed by the Indigenous architect firm Two Row Architect, the Centre’s design is rich with features and images that celebrate Indigenous cultures.

Main Hallway

The main hallway shows this incredible mural of a turtle. The turtle is very significant for the First Peoples of Canada. Its role changes from one Nation to another, but it is always a key personage in Creation stories. It not only represents the land on which we stand, Turtle Island, but it also represents the concepts of determination, truth, grounding and especially rebirth. The turtle is an important teacher to all who understand the wisdom it carries.

The wall also includes abstract water ripples made of horizontally placed slats of acoustic material, which form the large three-dimensional wall installation. The use of acoustic material is intended to reduce noise and create an auditory experience that promotes calm and serenity.

The rest of the corridor is painted a raspberry red, which evokes a warm connection with the landscape. The colour is inspired by the traditional gathering of wild berries.

Ottawa’s Waterways

An entire wall of the Centre is dedicated to a low relief representation of the watershed of the Ottawa River, the traditional territory of the Anishnabeg Algonquin people.

Elders' Lodge

An Elders' Lodge is located within the Centre. This is a ceremonial space designed in the likeness of a Mìkiwàm – a type of traditional structure. The Lodge is the focal point for ceremonies and important conversations.

The Lodge is made entirely of white birch wood, as is tradition. The entrance is aligned with the true cardinal direction of the East (Waabinong), symbolizing new beginnings, spring and rebirth.

In the center of the Lodge, there is a lighted table reminiscent of a warm fire. A pattern of pinhole lighting in the ceiling of the lodge represents the night sky and the cosmos.