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‘Indian Horse’ draws diverse crowd for Truth and Reconciliation Day

The Mamidosewin Centre and Algonquin Students' Association held a screening and discussion on Sept. 30

Tyler Reis-Sanford

Photos: Tyler Reis-Sanford

October 2, 2024
Revised: October 2, 2024 3:13pm

Photo: Tyler Reis-Sanford

Summer Wabasse spoke to attendees about Truth and Reconciliation Day, as well as the colonial roots of bannock.

Students, staff and people from all walks of life came together to watch Stephen S. Campanelli’s film Indian Horse on the recent National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The film follows the life of Saul Indian Horse, an Anishinaabe boy, as he confronts his upbringing in St Joseph’s residential school.

Indian Horse is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese and sheds light on the dark reality of Canadian residential schools.

Level 1 nursing student Kayleigh Moore said she found the event very moving.

“It can be tough to watch,” said Moore. “It’s important, I know it is, but it doesn’t make it any easier to see it on screen.”

The event was held in the Student Commons Corner Lounge and was put on with combined efforts from the Mamidosewin Centre and the Algonquin Students’ Association.

More than 40 people were in attendance, with some attendees being as young as 12, and others in their 70s. Traditional First Nations refreshments were provided, as attendees were treated to bannock and Three Sisters soup. The Student Wellness Centre also had an employee available for viewers to speak with outside if the content of the movie became overwhelming or triggering.

Summer Wabasse, the events and communications officer for the Mamidosewin Centre, said last year staff chose to show a non-fiction film, but felt this year Indian Horse was a great choice.

“Non-fiction can be so informative, but I think being able to see the story of a residential school survivor can grab the audiences attention,” said Wabasse. “I think for non-Indigenous people getting that gateway to learn, it’s a good stepping stone.”

After the movie, attendees were encouraged to take part in a discussion about the impact of the film, and how it pertains to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Some attendees took the time to contemplate what it means to understand the impact of residential schools and how the effects are still felt today.

Richard Wagamese is a Canadian Ojibwe author, and his book Indian Horse won the 2013 Burt Award for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit literature. Photo credit: Tyler Reis-Sanford

“When I was in school it wasn’t something we spoke about,” said Joseph Broussard, who came to watch the movie with his granddaughter. “For a whole generation it was just swept over and forgotten. I don’t know how we as a country can do these things and then not educate people about it. It happened. This stuff really happened. It’s awful.”

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Tyler Reis-Sanford

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LRT change impacts students catching buses to the college

The city reduced train frequency from every five minutes to every 10 minutes during off-peak hours

Agrani Tiwari

Photos: Agrani Tiwari

October 2, 2024
Revised: October 2, 2024 3:00pm

Photo: Agrani Tiwari

Naureen Kaur, a Level 5 advertising and marketing communications management student, plans to leave home earlier to manage the increased travel time and crowding.

Algonquin College students are feeling the impact of reduced Confederation Line service as they try to catch buses to the campus.

“When I miss the train, then the 88 (bus route from Hurdman to Terry Fox) would already be gone, so I have to wait for the next one,” said Jessica Adriana Bettoni, a Level 2 biotechnology student. “I have to wait 15 or 30 minutes, depending, for the next bus to show up.”

Jessica Adriana Bettoni, a Level 2 biotechnology student, shares how train delays make her bus connection unreliable. — Jessica Adriana Bettoni, a Level 2 biotechnology student, said train delays make her bus connection unreliable. Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

Delays force students to leave home earlier to make it to class on time.

The LRT service used to run every five minutes during off-peak hours but now it will run every 10 minutes.

The reduced service, introduced to help OC Transpo address a $25-million deficit, was maintained after a 13-12 vote on Sept. 11, with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe casting the tie-breaking vote. The vote followed a debate on increasing off-peak service to seven minutes.

While some students said they hadn’t noticed the specific change in timing. Others said they still face longer, more crowded commutes.

Darrien Trombley, a Level 1 auto body and collision damage repair student said: “It’s crazy. It takes a lot longer to get in every day.”

Darrien Trombley, Level 1 auto 310 student, describes the daily challenge of longer, more crowded trips to campus. Photo credit: Agrani Tiwari

“I wasn’t aware of the wait times increase,” said Naureen Kaur, a Level 5 advertising and marketing communications management student. She said she takes the train to work, but because she hasn’t been to work in past two weeks she didn’t know about the changes.

The longer wait times will affect Kaur’s commute, and she might have to leave home earlier and expect trains to be crowded.

What concerns her more is the ongoing construction that has been happening for years, especially beyond Blair towards Orléans, and at Algonquin.

“I don’t know when it’s going to get completed,” said Kaur.

She finds the situation tough.

“I have to change one train and two buses. basically, which is too much.”

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Speed-mingling Pride Social closes out pride week

Students' Association holds event aiming to foster connection and bring community together

Zixuan Li

Photos: Zixuan Li

October 1, 2024
Revised: October 1, 2024 4:09pm

Photo: Zixuan Li

Kween Mallika, a drag queen and the evening's MC, poses with DJ Roxy Sunset.

As pride week came to a close, the Pride Social brought students together for an evening of celebration and connection on Sept. 27, despite a brief disruption caused by an unexpected fire alarm.

When the Pride Social began at the Observatory, attendance was low. As more students began to arrive, the fire alarm at A-building was triggered, according to kitchen staff.

People were evacuated to the parking lot in front of H-building because of an unexpected fire alarm. Photo credit: Zixuan Li

Security quickly evacuated people to the parking lot in front of H-building. Fortunately, the disruption was brief, and after a five-minute wait, students were allowed back inside to rejoin the party.

The party kicked off with a lively performance by Kween Mallika, a drag queen and MC for the evening. After the opening dance, Mallika led the crowd into two circles, where students could rotate and chat with new faces every two minutes. The ice-breaking game set the tone for an evening filled with conversation and camaraderie.

“I think it’s important for students to be able to kind of go to an event where you know for sure that there are people who will understand and accept you,” said Orlando Zhang, an interdisciplinary studies in human-centred design student. “A lot of students don’t like us.”

Like Zhang, many attendees hoped to make new friends and promote inclusivity.

For others, like Yug Patel, a Level 1 television and broadcasting student, the event offered a chance to step out of their comfort zone. Patel said he volunteered at the event “to meet people, to interact with them, you know, be more social with people.”

Pride week is a week-long program offering students the chance to participate in exciting activities celebrating pride.

“We did a pride week in September because it’s the start of the semester. And we want an opportunity for the queer students coming in to be able to connect and find community at the start of the semester,” said Tatanisha Riggan, the equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator at Algonquin College.

“We started off with the cookie decorating event on Monday. Tuesday, we had the 2SLGBTQ+ community resource fair. And then we had bracelet making (on Wednesday). And then yesterday we had a really fun sexy trivia night. And tonight, we’re ending it all, a wonderful week with a Pride Social. So, we get to have a party,” said Riggan.

Though Riggan believes there is strong support within the queer community at Algonquin College, she acknowledged there’s always room for growth.

“There can always be more support,” she said, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to build connections and provide resources.

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Algonquin College starts fall with beads and strings, forging new friendships

Students made new bonds in the B-building in the name of pride

Steven Dalloo

Photos: Steven Dalloo

October 1, 2024
Revised: October 1, 2024 4:05pm

Photo: Steven Dalloo

Pattaramethi Phommachan (Gappie) makes bracelets after class.

The Students’ Association hosted a friendship bracelet-making event for students to forge bonds, personalize bracelets and show support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community as they settle into the new semester.

The event Sept. 25 in the B-building was part of a series of pride week activities aiming to foster inclusion and help build a sense of community to start the fall semester.

Students who stopped to take a moment to examine the tables of bright colour beads and pride stickers marvelled at the display of creativity laid out before them.

“An event like this shows students that they matter and are appreciated and give them the feeling of being welcomed. it’s important,” said Joey McGrath, volunteer for the SA.

The simplicity of the activity allowed students to engage without pressure as students flowed in and out of B-building.

“It’s always fun having something to do between classes especially if it helps people feel welcome,” said McGrath when talking about students looking to destress and engage in activities.

Every bracelet made was a testament to the college’s commitment to creating a safe place for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By showing up and taking part in the event, attendees could visibly show their support and allyship.

“It is a way of showing support and it is not as aggressive or hyper as the pride parade. this is something more chill to show support to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Jefferson Meng, a Level 2 computer programming student, who came to the college to support her friend Jackie Lei and connect with others and share connections.

The atmosphere was light and friendly as students sat down to make bracelets for themselves and friends.

“Students can relax their minds and reduce their stress and burdens,” said Bhupinder Singh, a volunteer for the SA.

The pride bracelet-making event was bright and vibrant and not just about making stylish bracelet accessories. The event was about acceptance and being seen and the unity and solidarity that comes with it.

Those who participated left with new fashion accessories and a sense of belonging and understanding of peers.

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Students find hope in new pilot parking initiative

Students can look forward to relief from parking challenges with a new semester-long permit

Emmet Paradis

Photos: Emmet Paradis

October 1, 2024
Revised: October 1, 2024 11:22am

Photo: Emmet Paradis

Lot 16 at a busy hour.

A discounted student-only permit was released for Lot 16 as a pilot project for fall 2024. The semester-long pass is $399, replacing the monthly passes at $139, tax included.

“This single-term permit is aimed to support students who, after paying for tuition, student fees, and often housing costs, may not have money available at the start of the term to afford an annual permit,” according to the Algonquin College Parking Services website. “This new option will be more cost-effective than purchasing several monthly permits throughout the term, a practice students currently choose.”

Lot 16 was added in 2021 after the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre opened. The building occupies space that was part of Lots 8 and 9. Lot 16 was created to accommodate the loss of space, according to Roch Lafond, the manager of parking, lockers, coin-ops and card services.

Lot 16 is south of Lots 9 and 12. To get to buildings west of the student commons, students are required to walk across Lots 12, 9 and 8.

“The location of the lot depends on which building you’re in for convenience,” said Kim Brooks, who’s in the first year of studying for a bachelor of science in nursing. “Even if you’re in building C and parking in 16, it’s still convenient to be able to park on campus without needing to rely on public transit.”

“As someone who attends both uOttawa and Algonquin College, parking at Algonquin is stress-free and easy due to the amount of parking as well as the size of the spots leaving room to park larger vehicles,” said Brooks.

Elise Nizio, a second-year police foundations student, said, “I think the college sees firsthand that the parking situation has become an issue. It’s good to know that they’re aware of its current state and want to take action to address it.”

According to Lafond, as the campus continues to grow, more parking options will be considered, as well as improved parking lots.

The Parking Services team has been working to re-grade Lots 1, 16 and 17. Those with passes for Lots 15 and 17 will receive emails notifying them of changes.

Lot 16 will remain unpaved for the time being. Future paving is being considered to improve traffic flow, drainage, and safety, especially during the winter season, according to Lafond.

In the meantime, students are weighing in on how the existing situation affects them.

“I feel like that isn’t a big problem for some students,” said Annabel Henderson, a second-year child and youth care student. “I’m glad they’re adding more options since the lots can be quite busy at certain times of the day.”

During the winter semester, the snow accumulated from the parking lots will be moved to the southeast field area, away from Lot 16, to keep parking spaces available.

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Students chip in to art memorial for Indigenous murder victims

"Artistic library" is part of a national grassroots project The Canadian Library, founded 2021

James Gray

Photos: James Gray

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 4:58pm

Photo: James Gray

Each book in the art installation bears the name of a missing or murdered Indigenous woman or two-spirit person.

An artistic tribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women, children and LGBT people is under construction in E-building’s AC Hub. The medium: Books, wrapped in Indigenous-made cloth.

Students were tasked with cleanly wrapping the books and then ironing on gold letters with the names of the victims. Algonquin College said in an Instagram video that “the installation visually represents the lives to be honoured and the collective grief of their loved ones.”

“It’s kinda tedious, but it’s important work,” said Samantha Therrien, who works on the event team, on wrapping the books. “It’s not just their books, it’s a representation of (the missing and murdered Indigenous people). We also have a binder with their stories.”

The binder lists the name of each victim to be honoured, their age, location and manner of disappearance or death. Some of the cases stretch back decades.

The concept is part of The Canadian Library project, which describes itself as a “living memorial to honour Indigenous women, girls and children … to help fellow settlers understand the past, the present and what must be done for the future.”

Four of the organizers pose by the bookshelf early on Sept. 26. L-R: Nina Newman, Joanne Cairns, Anita Tenasco and Lauren Larocque. — Four of the organizers pose by the bookshelf early on Sept. 26. (From left to right): Nina Newman, Joanne Cairns, Anita Tenasco and Lauren Larocque. Photo credit: James Gray

The project aims to collect 8,000 books and Algonquin College’s goal is 300.

But that may be a long ways off. Only 126 books were on the shelf at about 3 p.m. on Sept. 30. The event team gave out materials on two days, Sept. 26 and Sept. 30, which is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

They plan to keep the installation up while accepting self-made contributions. After a few weeks, the installation will move to the Spiritual Centre, and then to an undetermined central collection of The Canadian Library.

And why books?

“I think it’s because these women’s stories haven’t been told,” said Joanne Cairns, events manager for the college. “There’s things we won’t know about them.” Many of the disappearances are still unsolved.

The art installation was the first part of Algonquin’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events. It was a collaboration between the student events team, the college’s events team and their Department of Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization. The supplies and books were contributed by Algonquin staff. They’re mostly children’s books, but the actual words are seen as unimportant. “They had to be a certain size,” Therrien said, “but other than that, whatever.”

The fabric was supplied by The Canadian Library, which buys it from Indigenous businesses using donated money.

The project can be seen in the AC Hub, alongside a sign which explains:

“(This is) a grassroots art installation that will serve as a memory of all Indigenous Women and Children that have been murdered or gone missing and for colonizers to learn the true history of Turtle Island, now known as Canada. TCL’s hope is to help bring about true reconciliation.”

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Nonprofit organizations and religious clubs featured at Clubsfest

Students get together to experience the new clubs and organizations at Clubsfest

Mackenzie Cardinal

Photos: Mackenzie Cardinal

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 1:37pm

Photo: Mackenzie Cardinal

Students enjoying the various clubs at Clubsfest.

As students are starting college for the fall 2024 term, many of them are curious as to what’s new and available at Algonquin College. Many new students are also curious as to where to make new friends. That is where Clubsfest comes in.

Clubsfest in the Student Commons on Sept. 25 let students see their options for clubs to join during the fall term.

Charley Hicks, a student in early childhood education, made a musical theater club for Clubsfest. When asked about why a club about musical theatre was made, Hicks said: “I’ve been wanting to make a club about musical theatre ever since I was in musical theatre class in high school.”

Islamic Relief Canada was a part of Clubsfest as well. “We are a non-profit to help people suffering in Lebanon and Palestine,” said Dalia Alhaddad, who is studying in the bachelor of public safety program.

Islamic Relief Canada’s booth sold stickers that read “free Palestine” along with stickers that had watermelons, a common symbol of solidarity for Palestine.

Along with non-profit organizations, there were regular clubs for students to join, including the kali club, D&D tabletop club and musical theatre club.

Signing up for a club was easy. For example, the musical theatre club required students to write their name and Algonquin College email on a piece of paper. Five students were signing up for the club when the Algonquin Times visited the table.

“I’m interested in the D&D tabletop club and we just joined musical theatre club,” Lauren Davies said while she was hanging with her friend. Davies is in the food science and culinary arts program.

While many clubs were about certain niches and fandoms, the majority of clubs at Clubsfest had a religious theme. These clubs were mainly for connecting students with shared beliefs.

Clubs included Hillel Ottawa, Jewish Campus Life, The Feast Ottawa, Tree of Life Bible Academy and the MENA Arab Culture Society.

“We’re here to help students meet other students with similar backgrounds,” said Jamie Sweigman, director of Hillel Ottawa: Jewish Campus Life. “And when it comes to mental health, we offer therapy and therapists to students in need,” Sweigman added.

More than 10 clubs were promoting themselves at Clubsfest.

More information about events like Clubsfest can be found at www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/events/.

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Looking for ways to contribute to truth and reconciliation?

The Students’ Association has made it easy with the MyReconciliACTION initiative

Ben Fleguel

Photos: Ben Fleguel

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 11:20am

Photo: Ben Fleguel

Alain Cyr-Russo (right) and Cassandra Jones St-Onge (left) on Sept. 27 welcome students looking to make a pledge.

On Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., a table holding small cutouts of orange T-shirts will be located at the entrance of the E-building.

Students can write their pledge to further truth and reconciliation efforts on those cutouts, according to the Students’ Association.

Alain Cyr-Russo, senior manager for the SA, said students are also welcome to take cutouts home for friends and family.

The SA said it wants to create a “wall of commitment” on the pillars of the student commons.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for students to engage on a meaningful level with reconciliation,” said Tatanisha Riggan, the SA’s equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator.

Riggan said not everyone fully understands reconciliation and that it can be intimidating to know what to say or how to act.

To help, the SA is hanging examples of things a student could do for their pledge.

“Learn a traditional Indigenous recipe and share it with friends and family,” reads one example. “Watch an Indigenous film or documentary,” reads another.

“We wanted to make it less intimidating and more straightforward to know that even in your everyday life, you can contribute towards reconciliation,” said Riggan.

Riggan said when a large group takes many small steps, it can be quite impactful.

“It goes a long way in upping our knowledge of the Indigenous peoples of the area and their history,” said Riggan.

The SA is offering students the opportunity to complete one of their example pledges with their screening of Indian Horse in partnership with the Mamidosewin Centre.

The movie is fictional and follows the journey of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibwe boy taken from his home and placed in a residential school.

The screening is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sept. 30 in Room E133.

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Culture shock impacts mental health of international students

As international enrolment at Algonquin College has increased, some students are returning home, unable to cope with culture shock and mental health challenges

Aicha Chamor

Photos: Aicha Chamor

September 30, 2024
Revised: September 30, 2024 9:32am

Photo: Aicha Chamor

Melissa Yang expressed her gratitude for the significant impact of the IPM program on her life, which ultimately led to her securing a full-time position as a marketing and conference sales coordinator at Algonquin College.

Many international students at Algonquin College report facing overwhelming challenges, including culture shock, language barriers and mental health issues, especially those traveling abroad for the first time.

Living in a new environment was too much for Ipik Kapmaz.

“I came to Canada with hopes and dreams, but the weight of loneliness and the struggle to connect took me down,” said Kapmaz, a former international student.

After one semester, Kapmaz had to return home, overwhelmed by the pressures of adapting to life in a new country.

Her experience is not isolated; a previous survey conducted by Algonquin College in 2001 revealed that 60 per cent of all students expressed concerns about their mental health.

According to Kapmaz, living abroad is not as easy as others may think, especially if you have no friends or family around.

“I had to choose between my academic journey and my mental health, so I chose my mental health.” Kapmaz said.

The language barrier is another challenge facing international students, causing them to feel overstressed.

Chahd Almalaki, a first-year student in the animation program, said language creates significant challenges to connecting with her peers. She also said that teachers speak quickly compared to her listening skills.

”Before I came here, I used to always think that I was good at English, but now I feel embarrassed to speak during group presentations or when working as part of a group,” Almalaki said.

Despite these challenges, some students are finding ways to cope and thrive.

Marwa Lamrani Ejjoute, a second-year student in the business accounting program, is a mentor in the International Peer Mentor Program (IPM). She provides guidance and support to newcomers, drawing from her own experiences as a mentee.

“I see myself in them,” she said.

Ejjoute encourages students to participate in events organized by the International Peer Mentor program and use available mental health services. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking help whenever needed.

“There are many of us in the IPM who are willing to help you adapt,” Ejjout said. “You have just to give yourself a chance.”

Melissa Yang, a recent graduate and former mentor in the IPM, is a vibrant example of resilience. She overcame mental health challenges with help from IPM and now assists new international students in navigating academic stress.

“Being part of the IPM program has been truly life-changing for me,” Yang said. “It has not only given me the skills and confidence to excel in my role as a mentor but has also opened doors to meet students from diverse backgrounds and learn about their unique stories and cultures.”

The college provides a variety of services benefiting international students, including the AC Purple Couch initiative. The concept behind the couch is simple: wherever you see the AC Purple Couch, grab a seat and speak your mind. Students can chat with trained leaders or mental health professionals and access valuable mental health resources — just talk.

The AC Purple Couch is hosted by the Student Health and Wellness Zone and takes place happens every Friday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m, across from Savoir Faire Room E135.

Students are encouraged to use these mental health counselling resources for support:

Ottawa Campus – Counselling Services

Ottawa Campus – Health Services

WeSpeak Student (WeConnect)

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Students find peace and support through cookie decorating

The Algonquin Students’ Association held the Cookie Decorating and Sharing Circle in E-building to kick off Pride Week

Yuye Jiang

Photos: Yuye Jiang

September 27, 2024
Revised: September 27, 2024 9:55am

Photo: Yuye Jiang

Chenier Mushy (right) made a special medallion cookie for Zak Zinya (left) as a way to recognize her dedication to the queer community and great talent as a drag king.

On Mushy Chenier’s cookie, a broken heart was covered in bright colours. She carefully applied a new layer of icing and took a big bite.

“I made some friends this summer, and they ended up bullying me,” she said, “but now I took my energy back to the right people, like other students in the community, and I feel better and safer now.”

Chenier is a business student at Algonquin College and she was one of the students who joined Pride Week’s Cookie Decorating and Sharing Circle, hosted by the Students’ Association on Sept. 23 in the E-building.

Students from diverse backgrounds walked into a room filled with the scent of icing and the sounds of music. The tables were covered with colourful frosting, shimmering sprinkles and cookies of various shapes.

Students gathered around, carefully decorating their cookies while quietly chatting and bursting into joyful laughter. Everyone was encouraged to share their stories through their cookie designs.

Chenier introduced herself as a queer student with a physical disability. When she first arrived at Algonquin College, she felt lost and often isolated. However, the mentors, staff, and professors at the college have made her feel accepted and supported.

“Now I feel like I have a million friends,” she said. “Even though I know the staff are not my friends, I feel like I can tell them anything.”

Among the students, a figure in a shimmering purple blazer swayed to the music, moving between students and engaging in conversations.

Zak Zinya is a 2SLGBTQ+ member who has worked in social justice for nearly 20 years as a lawyer, life coach and drag king. She was also the main reason Chenier attended the event.

Zinya said she has a clear mission during her appearances.

“It’s part of the work I do to make sure I’m advocating for queer people and ensuring that businesses, communities, workplaces, colleges, and universities are more queer-friendly,” Zinya said.

As a special guest, Zinya has participated in three different 2SLGBTQ+ events hosted by the SA.

Her role extends beyond performing as a drag king. It is dedicated to listening to and addressing the needs of queer students, ensuring they feel safe and accepted on campus.

“People don’t feel safe these days because homophobia is on the rise and affects our daily lives,” she said. “As it starts to trickle down, and then students don’t feel safe.”

Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong, an early childhood education student at Algonquin College, felt a greater sense of acceptance and inclusivity through the Cookie Decorating and Sharing Circle.

“I was a little bit surprised,” she said. “Because in Vietnam, the 2SLGBTQ+ community doesn’t have that kind of resource at school, and we don’t usually talk about them.”

As the event coordinator for the SA, Tatanisha Giggan explained that the cookie decorating process promotes a sense of calmness and focus, while also providing an opportunity for students to openly discuss their lives.

“Sometimes when you get into a new environment, you might get nervous,” she said. “But doing something creative with your hand can kind of cut down some of those barriers.”

Algonquin College and the SA have expanded from a one-day Pride Day event to a week-long celebration starting this year.

Giggan emphasized SA’s commitment to providing ongoing support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ students, ensuring they feel a sense of belonging and safety on campus.

“We want to make sure that we’re bringing activities throughout the year, throughout the semesters, in the fall, the spring, summer, and winter,” she said. “And then again, make the queer community feel safe and their voice serve.”

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