The Indigenous Spirit Assembly

Fanshawe College is located on the traditional lands and waterways of the Anishnaabe, Haudenoshaunee and Lenape people of Southwestern Ontario. The Institute of Indigenous Learning is the focal point of Indigenous learning, student services, research and community-based initiatives at Fanshawe College and embodies the College’s commitment to honour the cultural diversity of all Indigenous peoples.

Designed as part of Fanshawe’s new Innovation Village, the Indigenous Spirit Assembly will be a space for Indigenous students and communities to engage in research, innovation, experiential and digital learning as well as social entrepreneurship. It will provide a welcoming space for Indigenous students while also being available to all students and the extended community who will be welcomed for workshops, summer camps, exhibitions, gatherings, smudging, pipe ceremonies, land-based learning and other events.

Indigenous learning principles of lifelong learning, interconnectedness and development of a sense of responsibility to community tie directly into Fanshawe’s focus on Signature Innovative Learning Experiences (SILEx) and Job Skills for the Future. Enabling creativity, driving economic development and realizing growth and prosperity align with the College’s desire to build relationships with Indigenous communities in support of self-determination.

Fanshawe celebrates the continuous living cultures of the original inhabitants of Canada. The Indigenous Spirit Assembly is an expression of the College’s ongoing commitment to providing educational, cultural and spiritual development opportunities that honour our Indigenous communities.