Algonquin Times

Convocation Day at Algonquin College

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here. As your President, I […]

Office of the President

Photos:

November 4, 2020
Revised: November 4, 2020 10:37am

The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here.

As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success.

Amidst the events reshaping our global reality, be they the pandemic, climate change, the fight for social justice and equality, or automation and the world of Artificial Intelligence, we come together to celebrate your incredible achievement, which is all the more remarkable given these extraordinary times.

In this age of great uncertainty, I can be certain of one thing…. The steadfast determination you have displayed will serve you well in the new environment being shaped so rapidly before us.

The world you are entering, upon graduation, looks nothing like the world from even a year ago. Yet, along with the challenges that lay ahead, the future holds promise and opportunities the likes of which have not been presented to any generation for a long time.

The door is open for you to really change the world, and not in a clichéd sense, but in real and tangible ways, emboldened with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

It also stands ready for your generation’s champions of social justice, to address issues of inequity, and the lack of diversity and inclusion that recent events have brought to the forefront in ways that can no longer be ignored.

Whatever your path forward, you will have the opportunity to help lead a true transformation –

to recalibrate the socio-economic inequities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour on a scale never seen before. And to reshape the modern workforce and break new ground in your chosen field.

Embracing our community will hopefully be one of the enduring legacies to emerge from these times, and you will be the ones to pass this on to the next generation.

Education, in its many forms, is a significant touchstone. It helps form the solid ground beneath our feet. It allows us to adapt, pivot and anticipate rather than merely react when change inevitably challenges our lives.

The knowledge and skills you have acquired here at Algonquin College are now part of your “tool kit”, helping to “future-proof” your career.

I want to borrow now from my colleague, Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Algonquin’s Vice President – Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization. He often uses the metaphor of arrows in a

quiver. An arrow on its own will snap easily, however when they are bundled together, they are strong and resilient. Having many arrows in your quiver provides strength, and will enhance your confidence when faced with the many challenges set to come your way.

So … going forward … be inspired to learn new things and develop new skills. Fill your quiver with more arrows and make your mark.

Everything of value starts with an idea. What ideas are you preparing to share with the world? What script are you about to write?

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the author, Neil Gaiman, and I’d like to borrow what I think is an appropriate quote from his book, Art Matters: “It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is, individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”

So, when you think about your future, where does your imagination take you? The world needs your creativity, your energy and your resiliency more than ever before. It needs you to dream big dreams, and to go forward and be fearless.

Be unafraid to fail and to learn from your missteps. To borrow again from Neil Gaiman: “Now go, and make interesting mistakes…Make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here.” History is filled with the stories of entrepreneurs and leaders in every field whose ideas met with initial dismissal, failure, and seemingly insurmountable odds before they achieved success.

So let opportunity be what defines you. I know you already possess the determination, imagination and innovative spirit to overcome any obstacles in your path.

Opinions | Sponsored Content

Claude Brulé

Office of the President

See more articles by
Office of the President

Taking care of one’s own mental health should be top priority

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us […]

Office of the President

Photos:

October 14, 2020
Revised: October 15, 2020 6:54pm

The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us are struggling with additional feelings of anxiety and isolation this year.

That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental health your top priority.

Six years ago, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a report highlighting how post-secondary student populations across the country are at a higher risk of mental health issues.

The report detailed how half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illness start by 14 years-of-age, and 75 per cent by the age of 24. Half of all Canadians will have, or will have had, a mental illness by the age of 40.

In the intervening years since that report, Algonquin College has taken many steps to enhance its support networks and resources to help our learners and employees look after their mental health.

That work continues with an even greater sense of purpose today, as we now face new personal challenges brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a return to normal still on the horizon, taking care of ourselves has become even more critical.

Algonquin College takes pride in being an inclusive, caring community. We strive each day to support and respect one another – to show kindness and empathy. By doing this, we break down the old and harmful stigmas around mental health.

Building awareness is crucial, and I encourage every learner and employee to take the time to reflect on how they are feeling and coping during these unprecedented times. Part of being aware is accepting that it is okay to be vulnerable. Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. Never hesitate to reach out when in need. In addition to the resources referenced above, there are also many apps and online tools available to you, and excellent resources offered by Ottawa Public Health.

One of the recent developments in our continuing efforts around mental health is the expanded partnership Algonquin College has with The Royal. This summer, thanks to a $250,000 contribution from RBC Foundation, more of our learners in need will be able to meet online with a psychiatrist from The Royal and get the support they need through a customized treatment plan.

We also offer a complete range of counselling services and general supports in an effort to cater to the individual needs of every learner, understanding the broad range of challenges and lived experiences across our student population. These services are provided by professionals who can accommodate you virtually from the comfort of your own home.

Like everyone, I am looking forward to the time when we can all safely be together again, enjoying the vibrancy and energy of being on campus. Until then, please know you are not alone. We want you to turn your dreams into lifelong success and are committed to helping you on the journey.

Opinions | Sponsored Content

Office of the President

See more articles by
Office of the President

Algonquin College’s Women in Tech and Trades event empowers students, encourages networking

Students, alumni and professionals gathered on March 30 in the D-building to network, share ideas and celebrate each other

Reilly Armstrong

Photos: Reilly Armstrong

April 3, 2026
Revised: April 3, 2026 7:55pm

Photo: Reilly Armstrong

(Left to right) Laura Wiley, Alise Wang, Aparna Shanker, Roslyn Bern, Sheena Brady, Katherine Rodger and Katherine Root. Organizers and panelists pose for a photo after the panel discussion.

May Bradford, an Algonquin alumna of the motive power technician program, was inspired to become a mechanic in high school when she took an automotive class.

Now, she’s the only woman in a group of six men in an auto shop.

And she’s tired of being “babied.”

“If I start even slightly (to) struggle, they’ll just jump in and do it for me. They won’t let me struggle and figure it out, or try and do whatever I can to figure it out,” said Bradford, who was one of many women who attended the Women in Tech and Trades event on March 30 in Algonquin College’s D-building.

AC alumna May Bradford says as the only woman in her workplace, she&squot;s constantly being "babied". And she&squot;s tired of it. — AC alumna May Bradford says as the only woman in her workplace, she's constantly being "babied" and she's tired of it. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

Bradford said networking at events like the WiTT panel has empowered her and boosted her confidence.

“I’ve been to about three of these kinds of events now, and it’s every time I go, I build more of a backbone, and I’m a lot more assertive of, ‘No, stop what you’re doing. This is my project. I am working on this car. I am asking for assistance, not for you to do it.’ And they’ve started to respect me on that, but it’s… I’ve been there for two years and it’s an uphill battle every day,” said Bradford.

The event was set to start at 4 p.m., but people began streaming in early and the room was full by 3:45 p.m. Companies set up booths where students could ask about different pathways and potential job opportunities after graduation.

Attendees network and check out booths set up by companies including McDonald Brothers Construction Inc. and CGI. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

“We’re always trying to find new ways to hire women in our R&D roles. I think it’s an ongoing struggle for a lot of companies. So having events like this helps us to reach those goals of having diversity in the workplace,” said Meagan O’Leary, HR specialist and campus lead at Ross Video.

Algonquin College’s WiTT program, revamped in September 2025 and previously named We Saved You a Seat, supports women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

By increasing the visibility of women as leaders, WiTT encourages women to consider a wider range of career paths. Representation brings a wide range of perspectives, particularly within these industries that thrive on innovation and diverse thinking.

The panel consisted of four professionals in tech or trades, with Katherine Root, dean of the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, acting as moderator and asking questions.

Themes that each of the women kept coming back to were taking initiative, getting out of your comfort zone and being bold.

Katherine Rodger, estimating manager at Black & McDonald, had advice for graduating students.

“I find a lot of the times I’m interviewing new grads, and I can’t hear you across the table, I have no confidence I’ll be able to hear you in the workplace,” said Rodger. “But speak up, speak clearly, and ask questions.”

Alise Wang, cybersecurity operations manager at CGI, recalled spending late nights studying for midterms. She said she’d browse the Eventbrite pages, looking for networking events like this one.

“That was actually how I met one of my mentors. It was on — it was very symbolic — it was on an International Women’s Day breakfast,” said Wang.

“And she is still one of my very close friends, but if I hadn’t put myself out there, hadn’t registered for a random Eventbrite… you know, I wouldn’t have met amazing people.”

(Left to right) Panelists Alise Wang and Sheena Brady sharing the challenges they've faced working their way up in their careers. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

Aparna Shanker, IP professional services and PLM head at Nokia, had advice for cementing a strong professional foundation early in your career.

“In the beginning, when you just start off in your career, nothing beats hard work. We need to put in the work. Put your head down and work and be good at what you do. There’s no excuse for being lazy, for being inefficient,” said Shanker.

“If you don’t know an answer, I don’t mind it…You’re never gonna have all the answers.”

After the panel discussion, the floor was opened to audience questions. One student asked how they deal with sometimes being the only woman or only person of colour in the room.

“I would challenge a reframe of being the only one in that room to being early in the room, and really look at it through that lens,” said Sheena Brady, AC alumna and general manager at Fullscript Canada.

“Are you, in fact, early to the room and do you have incredible, unique perspective, experience, not just professional, but lived experience?”

Students networked with each other and employers after the question portion.

Algonquin student Albatoul Abusneina, in her last semester of business entrepreneurship, said organizations need to be better at considering the needs of a diverse workplace, even when it comes to worker protection. For a final project in one class, her group is making work wear for women in trades.

Business management entrepreneurship student Alvaro Abusneina is using her specific skills to support women in trades. — Business management entrepreneurship student Albatoul Abusneina is using her specific skills to support women in trades. Photo credit: Reilly Armstrong

“I’ve had people come tell me their daughter’s got a hi-vis vest, and then it was way too big on her shoulders. It kept falling off and that’s a safety issue,” said Abusneina.

“There’s so many issues that are not being addressed, and I think that if we want to look back throughout history, things don’t happen unless we force it, and we make those changes, and we make those spaces.”

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero | News

Reilly Armstrong

See more articles by
Reilly Armstrong

News Briefs: Man critically injured in assault near Rideau Centre, police seek witnesses

Top stories in your community and around the world noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Noureddine Zerrad

Photos:

April 2, 2026
Revised: April 2, 2026 8:06pm

Local:

CTV: Ottawa police were seeking witnesses after a man was critically injured in an assault near the Rideau Centre on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency crews responded around 2:15 p.m. near Colonel By Drive and Rideau Street, where an adult male suffered injuries consistent with blunt force trauma and was transported to hospital in critical condition.

Police said one man is in custody while the investigation continues into possible additional suspects. No charges had been announced. Authorities were asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage to contact the Ottawa Police Service or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

National:

CBC: The B.C. Court of Appeal has overturned a B.C. Supreme Court ruling that limited the Nuchatlaht First Nation’s Aboriginal title claim over part of Nootka Island.

The appeal court found the lower court used an “arbitrary boundary” and made legal errors in assessing the extent of the nation’s land title, concluding that the Nuchatlaht had demonstrated sufficient historical occupation of the territory.

The decision expands recognition of the claim beyond the earlier ruling and reflects evidence of the nation’s long-standing use of the land for hunting, fishing and gathering. It allows the Nuchatlaht to move forward with land-use planning for infrastructure and housing on the territory.

International:

CBC: U.S. President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her position amid reported dissatisfaction with her performance, including her handling of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump announced that Bondi will transition to the private sector, while Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will serve as acting attorney general.

Bondi confirmed she will remain for about a month to oversee the transition before moving into a new private-sector role, which she said she is “thrilled about,” though she provided no further details.

News

Noureddine Zerrad

See more articles by
Noureddine Zerrad

Ottawa 67’s smother Frontenacs in dominant Game 3, take 3-0 stranglehold on series

The 67’s have the chance to close out the series on Thursday after 4-1 win against the Frontenacs

Scott Crowell

Photos:

April 2, 2026
Revised: April 2, 2026 7:42pm

The Ottawa 67’s defeated the Kingston Frontenacs 4-1 on Tuesday night in Kingston. The victory gives Ottawa a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first round series.

Kingston brought the fight to Ottawa in both Game One and Game Two, but it was all Ottawa in Game 3 giving a full effort and continuing the heavy physicality of the series and rivalry.

The offensive explosion and consistency that was featured in the first two games of the series in Ottawa slowed down in Game 3 despite what the score indicated.

For the third straight game, 67’s head coach Dave Cameron stuck out his fourth line, which has dropped the gloves in the previous two games. The same thing happened in Game 3.

Teddy Spitznagel (Ottawa) and Will Bishop (Kingston) dropped the gloves after Spitznagel came barreling in to finish his hit on Bishop 24 seconds into the hockey game.

Ottawa put the puck in the net twice in the first period — well, technically, as they had an ice breaker from Nic Sima that was disallowed for goaltender interference on a lengthy review.

The 67’s still struck first in the hockey game as Spencer Bowes scored his second goal of the series to put the 67’s up 1-0. He was able to break in all alone and put it past Kingston goaltender Matthew Minchak off a pass from captain Cooper Foster.

It was a very quiet second period. Both teams had their chances but both goalies were sharp.

Ottawa had goals in the third period from Jasper Kuhta, who scored his second of the series, and Sam McCue, who scored his first OHL playoff goal.

Kingston pushed back with a power-play goal which was their lone goal of the game from Matthew Henderson as he received a pass from Landon Wright and stepped into the left dot and ripped it pass Ryder Fetterolf.

However, Ottawa’s Nic Sima raced down the ice on the missed empty net attempt and put away the game with his second goal of the series to seal the deal for the 67’s to make it 4-1 and secure the win.

Ottawa has the chance to move onto the second round against the winner of the Barrie Colts and Niagara Ice Dogs.

Ryder Fetterolf stopped 17 of 18 shots in his third straight win of the series.

Game 4 takes place Thursday in Kingston.

Sports & Recreation

Scott Crowell

See more articles by
Scott Crowell

City issued up to 100 fines a day for illegal parking in Centrepointe lots near Algonquin College

The city ramps up parking enforcement at Ben Franklin Place and Mary Pitt Centre

Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

Photos: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

April 2, 2026
Revised: April 2, 2026 11:30am

Photo: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

Parking Lot 10 at Algonquin College along with the sign showing the parking fees. College Square is in the background.

The City of Ottawa was issuing dozens of parking fines every day at the Mary Pitt Centre and Ben Franklin Place starting Feb. 2, responding to what officials described as a significant rise in unauthorized parking by Algonquin College students.

City staff said signage reserving the lots for employees and visitors has been in place for several years, but since the September 2025 unauthorized parking by students has increased. The city contacted nearby institutions, including Algonquin College, on Nov. 27 and again on Jan. 27, asking them to warn people about enforcement and to remind them the lots are not intended for campus overflow.

The city provided the Algonquin Times with the ticket statistics, which showed there were about 50 to 100 fines per day as the college warned people about parking at the city-owned lots. One vehicle had been towed for blocking an exit lane, the city said.

The crackdown came as many students were already struggling with the costs of parking on campus.

Algonquin’s annual permits can run at hundreds of dollars, and daily rates add up quickly for those coming and going several times a week.

Monthly parking permits range from $132 to $187, while annual passes can cost anywhere from $801 to over $1,100, depending on the lot.

Parking lot 8 at Algonquin College — Parking Lot 8 at Algonquin College. Photo credit: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

For some, that price gap is enough to push them off campus into surrounding neighbourhoods.

“Ottawa is expensive, and I can’t afford to spend money all the time,” said Abbey Treanor, a finishing interior design student who parked off-campus to avoid fees.

Fourth-level business-accounting student Matthew Baskett said parking fees are a regular pressure on his budget.

“Parking costs way more than it should. I’m already budgeting carefully as a student, so having to drop that much money just to park my car just feels unreasonable,” said Baskett.

Others have tried to avoid paying altogether, but parking enforcement made them reconsider.

“I usually try to save money by parking on nearby streets instead of paying for a spot on campus, but on a really busy morning I couldn’t find anything and ended up having to pay anyway,” said Chen Shen, a second‑semester practical nursing student.

The issue isn’t confined to Centrepointe lots.

College Square, the large plaza adjacent to campus, has repeatedly warned students not to leave their cars there unless they are actively shopping. Enforcement at the plaza has been a recurring problem for more than a decade, with students regularly getting parking tickets and their cars towed.

The city says the parking at Mary Pitt Centre and Ben Franklin Place is limited and must remain available only for staff and visitors.

While long‑term solutions are being considered, city officials say enforcement will continue.

Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero | News

Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

See more articles by
Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

News Briefs: High gas prices during Iran war are driving Canadians to consider EVs

Top stories in your community and around the world noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Ann Saratu Balogun

Photos:

April 1, 2026
Revised: April 1, 2026 10:06pm

Local

CTV: April Fools’ Day brought a wave of light-hearted pranks from Ottawa institutions.

Museums and city services joined in with humorous announcements, including the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum promoting “donkey yoga” sessions and the Canadian Museum of Nature claiming the discovery of a new “Canadian Wolf Bird.”

These playful posts offered some levity as several costs rose in Ottawa with the start of the new month.

National:

CBC News: Canada Post is moving ahead with the plan to end home deliveries for about four million addresses.

The Crown corporation says it will turn the remaining home-delivery locations into community mailboxes, apartment boxes or rural delivery points.

The changes stem from last fall’s declaration that Canada Post could face an “existential crisis” with billions of dollars of losses.

Shifts are expected to happen over the next nine years, with the bulk of it expected in the next three to four years, as part of a broader modernization plan which also includes retail network changes.

International

Global News: Surging gas prices tied to the Iran war are prompting a growing number of Canadians to look at purchasing electric vehicles instead.

Prices have risen 47 cents per litre over the past month to around $1.77 per litre.

Searches on pre-owned car platform Clutch have grown 54 per cent since the start of the conflict.

Experts say cheaper models and federal rebates are making the switch feel more realistic, but high prices are still the biggest issue, with nearly six in 10 potential buyers saying they can’t get past the upfront cost.

News

Ann Saratu Balogun

See more articles by
Ann Saratu Balogun

News Briefs: NAC will broadcast launch of the Artemis II on glass tower

Top stories in your community and around the world noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Madelene Mcneely

Photos:

March 31, 2026
Revised: March 31, 2026 10:45pm

Local

Ottawa Citizen: The National Arts Centre will broadcast the April 1 launch of the Artemis II on its glass tower.

The event is free to the public. The first launch window opens at 6:24 p.m., but the mission is not guaranteed to launch on time.

Artemis II will be a 10-day mission that aims to send four astronauts around the moon.

Jeremy Hansen will be aboard as the first Canadian, and first non-American, to participate in a lunar mission.

National

CTV News: Canada Post says it’s moving ahead with the plan mandated by the federal government in the fall which could permanently end door-to-door mail delivery.

This decision could affect four million addresses, converting door-to-door delivery into community mailboxes.

In late September of last year, the minister of government transportation, public works and procurement announced that Canada Post was facing an “existential crisis” with billions of dollars worth of losses.

International:

Global News: U.S. President Donald Trump says countries upset with high fuel prices should “go get your own oil” as Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump, who has vacillated between insisting there is progress in diplomatic talks with Iran and threatening to widen the war, shared footage of an attack on Isfahan.

Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, hovered around US $106 a barrel, up more than 45 per cent since the war started Feb .28.

News

Madelene Mcneely

See more articles by
Madelene Mcneely

Algonquin College PR students fundraise for immigrant services through Culture2Culture campaign

Algonquin College students launch a new campaign in hopes of raising money for the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization

Pedro Mendez

Photos: Pedro Mendez

March 31, 2026
Revised: March 31, 2026 2:55pm

Photo: Pedro Mendez

Brain Matos Rodriguez, an Algonquin College Level 2 public relations student.

ACPR students are promoting several student-led events to raise money for Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization during their Culture2Culture campaign.

The Algonquin College public relations program (ACPR) has been running charity events for over 40 years and has raised nearly $600,000 for a multitude of different causes. The main purpose is to provide experience at Algonquin College for future professional public relations workers.

OCISO strives to raise money for refugees and immigrants to help them to integrate in the communities. They also strive towards promoting connection between communities by being inclusive. Those services have supported nearly 10,000 clients each year since 1978.

“OCISO helps people from the beginning of their journey to Canada all the while until they no longer need their services,” said Justin Lemoine, a second-level public relations student. “OCISO has a goal that we share in the ACPR program and that is to make sure that newcomers and immigrants can feel welcomed and connected.”

On March 19, Algonquin PR students held press conferences to promote the events in support of the Culture2Culture campaign.

One group decided to host a trivia night called Trivia Throwback at Cassette, located at 2257 Baseline Rd.

Simon Delgaty, a second-level PR student working on the Trivia Throwback event, explained that the goal of the Culture2Culture charity campaign is to highlight the importance of having diverse cultures.

“”Our goal as an event would be to raise $450 and conservatively to sell between 30 to 50 tickets,” he said.

B2B (Bridge2Belonging) Fest will be a block party-style event with local vendors and live DJs performing. The event will be hosted at Club SAW, 67 Nicholas St. on April 12 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Comedy for a Cause and will be held at the Cultures Comedy Club and will feature eight different comedians.

“This event brings people together through humour while supporting programs that help individuals and families feel at home in Ottawa,” said Isabella White, a second-level PR student and one of the comedy event organizers.

The Voice of Ottawa variety show will be held on April 2 at the Bridge Public House.

“We will be hosting a variety show featuring local musicians, poets and as well comedians at the Bridge Public House down on Donald Street,” said Brandi Fournier, a second-level public relations program student and one of the event organizers. “They each will get 10-to-15 minutes to showcase any original stand-up comedy they have done, any original song they have preformed as well any beautiful poetry.”

The tickets for each event will be on Eventbrite and the information about all seven events and the campaign is on the campaign website.

News

Pedro Mendez

See more articles by
Pedro Mendez

News Briefs: List of top paid City of Ottawa employees released

Top stories in your community and around the world as noted by Algonquin Times journalists

Ellie Hazelwood

Photos:

March 31, 2026
Revised: March 31, 2026 1:38pm

Local

CTV News: The Ontario government released its annual list of public servants who made over $100,000 last year.

Many of those listed in Ottawa are medical staff, first responders and managers.

National

CTV News: Federal public servants could be eligible for early retirement under a new program.

The Early Retirement Incentive Program allows employees to retire early without pension reduction based off of their years of service.

“The Early Retirement Incentive Program is proceeding with an emphasis on voluntary, structured options to retire early with clarity and predictability,” Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali said.

International

CBC News: Artificial intelligence “fruit slop” stories are getting millions of views on TikTok and Instagram.

The AI fruit stories draw viewers from dramatic storylines filled with betrayal and romance. The creators started basing their stories off of reality TV shows, earning even more views.

“It’s absurd, it’s brain rot,” digital strategist Fana Yohannes said. “It is a contagious format.”

News

Ellie Hazelwood

See more articles by
Ellie Hazelwood

Generations of voices echoed through the Mamidosewin Centre’s fifth annual round dance

From drums pounding to feet stomping, the ARC was filled with proud heritage and culture singing loud

Tyrell Taylor

Photos: Tyrell Taylor

March 31, 2026
Revised: March 31, 2026 10:10am

Photo: Tyrell Taylor

People dancing hand in hand in a circle as drummers sing.

The Mamidosewin Centre and Algonquin Students’ Association brought a round dance to the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre on March 27 to celebrate Indigenous culture.

Round dances are a time of celebration and remembrance of those who’ve passed. The ceremony begins and ends with a smudging, which serves as both blessing and a chance to thank the Creator for the land and all it provides.

“Smudging is a form of cleansing,” said Randy Kakegamick, one of the emcees for the night.

“We ask for things, we ask for guidance, we ask for help for when we’re in mourning,” said Kakegamick. “When that smoke burns, all those questions and all those talks go into the smoke and when the smoke rises, the eagle would take those messages. The eagle is our messenger because he flies highest to the Creator and he’ll pass along those messages to him.”

Round dances aren’t just for celebrating and remembering. They are also a time of bringing the community together, reconnecting and enjoying time together.

“Round dances are extremely important to Indigenous communities. It’s where we gather, it’s where we communicate,” said Anita Tenasco, the director of Indigenous initiatives at Algonquin College. “It’s where we celebrate our cultures, our diversity, where we meet people, it’s where we reconnect with friends and colleagues.”

Anita Tenasco standing in front of the drumming circle before the round dance begins. Photo credit: Tyrell Taylor

Dave Hookimaw was the stickman of the night. The stickman’s job is to choose which singer they want the night to start off with. The chosen singer would then walk around the circle, picking others they would like backup from.

Hookimaw, a singer himself, believes that singing is more than just a personal calling, but also a spiritual one.

“It was a spirit that came into my heart and soul. It moved me and that’s what I wanted to do ever since,” said Hookimaw.

Round dances originated as a way of honouring loved ones who have passed away by celebrating their life and helping them on the journey to the next life.

“At times the drummers would sing a song about honouring someone’s life and recalling that this person is no longer with us here on earth, but they have gone back to the Creator,” said Tenasco. “Allowing people to grieve, kind of like to heal and not to forget the person but to build strength to carry on.”

Alongside singing and dancing, vendors were also there selling Indigenous art, ranging from beadings and drawings to dreamcatchers.

Beaded earrings crafted by Samiah Stevens and Delilah Bosum. Photo credit: Tyrell Taylor

“I’m such a creative person so it really fuels me. It makes me happy and specifically bead work whenever I’m beading, I feel really connected to my culture and it really grounds me,” said Jazimine Remillard, owner of Jazmine Sky Beading.

“Round dances are critical to our well-being and in an Anishinaabeg culture it’s part of mino-bimaadiziwin,” said Tenasco. “The good life, a healthy life, a balance life, a life that focuses on not only the individual but the family or collective.”

Arts & Entertainment | Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature | Home Hero

Tyrell Taylor

See more articles by
Tyrell Taylor

Power outage at Algonquin College stuns students and staff

Loss of power on March 17 left some people confused and shook up

Ellie Hazelwood

Photos: Ryan Harkness

March 30, 2026
Revised: March 30, 2026 3:27pm

Photo: Ryan Harkness

A sign about the debit and credit machines going down, due to the power outage.

Students were rattled on March 17 when the power went out at Algonquin College during a blustery winter day, forcing the school to cancel classes.

Environmental Canada issued warnings about cold temperatures, ice and strong wind.

Around 27,000 customers across eastern Ontario lost power, according to to Hydro Ottawa’s outage map. The outage reached parts of western Quebec as the day went on.

The power flickered numerous times during early morning classes at Algonquin College, finally completely going out around 9:30 a.m.

Students found the dark atmosphere unsettling at first.

Those living in residence woke up with the lights going on and off which made them scared and confused.

“The power outage that took place (March 17) was traumatic for me,” said Tye Rhode, second-year graphic design student who lives in residence. “I woke up at about 9 a.m. The lights were flickering on and off. I was a little bit spooked at first. I realized all of the stuff in my fridge and freezer was going to go bad, if the power didn’t come back on soon. I was scared about that, and I didn’t know what to do. Power was out, Wi-Fi was out, I couldn’t do any work. The power was out everywhere. It was really creepy, but really cool too.”

Most classrooms have projectors and computers necessary for course activities. The college cancelled classes when the power outage dragged on for hours.

The sinks in the bathroom weren’t working and neither were the hand driers.

Starbucks was forced to close during the outage because the employees were unsure of what else to do.

“I was working when it went, so we weren’t really sure what was going on, because it flickered on and off a couple times, before it actually turned off,” Starbucks employee Abigail Gilmore said. “Once it actually went out, we were unsure of what to do. We were waiting around for almost two hours before we got a decision to close the store.”

Cafeteria workers also had to make some changes. The debit machines and registers went down in the cafeteria and students could only pay with cash.

News

Ellie Hazelwood

See more articles by
Ellie Hazelwood

Advertise

The award-winning Algonquin Times provides the opportunity to effectively reach the Algonquin community.

Request Coverage

If you have an event you'd like covered, or a question you want answered, send us details and we'll check it out!

Contact

Drop us a line if you have questions or comments.

Stay Informed

Subscribe