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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.”

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Tyrell Taylor

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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

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Ottawa 67’s hold on in gusty Game 2 win, beating Kingston 4-3

It was a chance for the 67’s to take an advantage in the series and they did exactly that as they were able to seize victory over the Frontenacs

Scott Crowell

Photos: Scott Crowell

March 29, 2026
Revised: March 29, 2026 9:34pm

Photo: Scott Crowell

67's forward Nic Sima (left) and Nic Whitehead (middle) celebrate Jasper Kuhta's (right) goal during Game 2 of Round 1 on March 29, 2026 at TD Place.

The first period had no shortage of action right from the opening puck drop for Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs between the Ottawa 67’s and Kingston Frontenacs on March 29 at TD Place.

Off the opening face-off, 67’s forward Zach Houben went off for checking to the head 14 seconds in and there was also a big-time fight between Sam McCue (Ottawa) and Riley Clark (Kingston).

Kingston’s Alex McLean broke the ice in Game 2 after a broken play with the puck landing right on his stick and he buried it to make it 1-0 Kingston seven minutes into the game. The assists were from Jack Dever and Kieren Dervin.

Kingston's Alex McLean celebrates opening goal with teammates at TD Place on March 29, 2026 during Game Two of Round One Series — Kingston's Alex McLean celebrates the opening goal with teammates at TD Place on March 29, 2026 during Game 2 of Round 1 series. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

The 67’s responded with a power-play goal, Thomas Vandenberg scored his first OHL playoff goal when he received a pass from Kohyn Eshkawkogan and blew it by Gavin Betts. The secondary assist went to Nic Whitehead at 15:44.

67's forward Thomas Vandenberg prepares to score goal during game two of round one series on March 29, 2026 at TD Place. — 67's forward Thomas Vandenberg prepares to score during Game 2 on March 29, 2026 at TD Place. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Jasper Kuhta, Ottawa’s leading regular season goal scorer, had his first OHL playoff goal, giving the 67’s their first lead of the game as he potted a juicy rebound from Nic Sima’s shot to make it 2-1 Ottawa at 17:31 of the first. The secondary assist went to David Bedkowski for his follow-up pass.

It was 2-1 Ottawa after 20 minutes, Shots were 19-4 in favour of the 67’s.

Filip Ekberg weighs his options during first period of game two, round one series on March 29, 2026 at TD Place. — Filip Ekberg weighs his options during first period of Game 2 on March 29, 2026 at TD Place. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Shaan Kingwell scored his first OHL playoff goal which extended the 67’s lead to 3-1. He stepped in with the puck and put it over the left shoulder of Gavin Betts. The assists were from Thomas Vandenberg and Kaleb Dietsch at 6:35 of the second. That was Kingwell’s first goal since last Dec. 28.

Thomas Vandenberg didn’t give up as he scored his second of the game to give the 67’s a three-goal lead. He dug deep in from of the net and poked it past Gavin Betts to make it 4-1 Ottawa. Assists were from Nic Whitehead and Jasper Kuhta at 7:41 of the second period.

Kingston pulled Gavin Betts after the fourth goal. Betts finished the night with 21 saves on 25 shots with four goals allowed before getting yanked. Matthew Minchak replaced Betts in net.

Shots were 31-12 after 40 minutes in favour of Ottawa.

Aleks Kulemin cut the 67’s lead to two with a power-play goal that he redirected from a Vann Williamson point shot in from the slot. It was reviewed twice but was deemed a good goal as it was decided to be under the crossbar a 1:26 into the third period. The secondary assist was from Alex McLean.

Kingston scored again cutting to one as Alex Misiak stepped into a shot off the face-off win from Tomas Pobezal and blew it blocker side on Ryder Fetterolf a 3:59 into the third period.

Kingston pushed hard for the tying goal with the net empty and the extra attacker but could not convert. Ottawa held on to take the hockey game 4-3 and take a 2-0 lead in the series as they head to Kingston.

Ottawa 67's rip off X number two on boards at TD Place on March 29, 2026 after Game Two victory — Ottawa 67's rip off X number two on boards at TD Place on March 29, 2026 after a Game 2 victory. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Ottawa 67’s defenseman David Bedkowski said the defence adjusted after allowing two quick goals in the third.

“Yeah, I think avoiding panic and trusting our game, like I said before, not sitting back, just continuing to play our game and have that belief in ourselves that we can make plays and continuing to play hard as well,” said Bedkowski.

Bedkowski also noted how instrumental home ice advantage was in the first two games of the series as they head to Kingston.

“It’s huge, our are fans are incredible. It’s such an amazing atmosphere, to walk out there you know I think the count was 5,000 but it feels more full than that and they’re unreal, every big play, every hit, you know not even the goals you know they’re on their feet and it’s such an incredible atmosphere and you can’t mimic those moments,” said Bedkowski.

67’s goaltender Ryder Fetterolf faced under 10 shots at the halfway point of the second. He said he has ways to stay warm.

“Yeah, just you know keep skating to the boards and back, just reset and treat every face-off you know whether it’s in my zone or not, like they are gonna come at me and I do a couple of skating patterns and keep my head into it,” said Fetterolf.

Ottawa 67’s assistant coach Paul Stoykewych said the team is looking to get less on the penalty sheet as they go to Kingston.

“For sure, for sure, I mean you look at the penalties we’ve taken, you never want to put the referee in a situation where it’s either you know he has to make a call or he doesn’t, again, we’re willing to play right on that line. We got to be aggressive. We, you know, we got to initiate, um, so there’s going to be times where we’re gonna take a few penalties,” said Stoykewych.

Ryder Fetterolf pointed out the team’s expectations as the series shifts to Kingston.

“I mean we definitely expect, you know, to be a lot of energy there, they’re going to bring their good game. We’re just going to keep playing how we are, obviously we’re up two so we know what we’re doing, and, you know, not get satisfied because that’s not what we want to do,” said Fetterolf.

Sports & Recreation

Scott Crowell

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Ottawa 67’s win Game 1 of the OHL playoffs, downing Kingston 7-4

It wasn’t the prettiest but the Ottawa 67’s were able to secure a Game 1 win in a hard-fought battle that saw feistiness and grit

Scott Crowell

Photos: Scott Crowell

March 29, 2026
Revised: March 29, 2026 10:03am

Photo: Scott Crowell

Ottawa 67's rip celebrate at TD Place on March 27, 2026.

Game 1 of the Ottawa 67’s OHL playoffs began with a big and gutsy 7-4 win over the Kingston Frontenacs. There were so many elements to the hockey game that made it such that hard fought battle.

The first period was a very physical and high tempo start to the series which is the first between the two teams since 1981. From puck drop when Ottawa’s Teddy Spitznagel laid a huge hit which set the game’s tempo right from the hop.

Tomas Pobezal (Kingston) takes opening face-off against Zach Houben at TD Place on March 27, 2026 — Tomas Pobezal (Kingston) takesthe opening face-off against Zach Houben at TD Place on March 27, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Zach Houben (Ottawa) carried that heavy energy and physicality with a heavy fight with Andre Mondoux (Kingston). Houben had the crowd absolutely pumped up as he threw his hands in the air, at 3:44 of the first.

67’s forward Filip Ekberg started the scoring in the series as he put home a rebound off a beautiful shift from the first line to make it 1-0 Ottawa at 5:58. The assists came from Frankie Marrelli and Cooper Foster.

Filip Ekberg scores opening goal at TD Place on March 27, 2026 during Game One of Round One series and celebrates with teammates — Filip Ekberg scores the opening goal at TD Place on March 27, 2026 during Game 1. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Things continued getting chippy in the first as David Bedkowski was absolutely dumped from behind by Kingston’s Nolan Snyder. Ottawa’s Kaleb Dietsch responded and fed rights to Snyder who immediately turtled and was ejected from the game. Dietsch was given a game misconduct and match penalty for fighting.

67’s forward Spencer Bowes walked in all alone and went five-hole on Kingston’s Gavin Betts on the four-on-four to make it 2-0 at 7:36 of the first. Assists came from Kohyn Eshkawkogan and Ondrej Ruml.

Kingston wasn’t going down without a fight as 67’s defenceman Kohyn Eshkawkogan bobbled the puck in the 67’s defensive end which allowed Kingston’s Nolan Snyder to grab the puck and go in all alone and score on the backhand past Ryder Fetterolf to cut the 67’s lead to 2-1 at 16:33. The lone assist from Robin Kuzma on the goal.

Kingston’s Nolan Snyder and teammates celebrate with bench after scoring goal on March 27, 2026 at TD Place — Kingston’s Nolan Snyder and teammates celebrate with the bench after scoring a goal on March 27, 2026 at TD Place. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Ottawa’s Filip Ekberg double-dipped in the goal department as he received a backdoor pass from Spencer Bowes to restore the Ottawa’s two goal lead just 1:29 into the second period to make it 3-1.

Kingston forward Tomas Pobezal cut the 67’s lead back to one again as he received a cross ice pass from Alex Misiak. He walked in and blew it by Fetterolf at 4:42 to make it 3-2 Ottawa. The other assist was from Matthew Henderson.

Kingston's Alex Misiak makes pass attempt on March 27, 2026 in game one of round one series at TD Place. — Kingston's Alex Misiak makes a pass attempt on March 27, 2026 in Game 1 of the playoffs at TD Place. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Kingston defender Lukas Moore put his team behind the eight ball as he took two separate minors for holding on Ekberg and roughing Ekberg after the whistle on the way to the box.

Nic Sima made Lukas Moore pay as he re-directed a puck in the slot from Filip Ekberg who had his third point of the night on the first half of the four-minute power-play to make it 4-2 Ottawa at 7:09 of the second. Kohyn Eshkawkogan had another assist.

Nic Sima scores a power-play goal at TD Place on March 27, 2026 during Game One of Round One series — Nic Sima scores a power-play goal at TD Place on March 27, 2026 during Game 1 of the first-round series. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Kingston responded right back again as Will Bishop cut to the 67’s lead to 4-3, as he walked in and ripped a top shelf shot over Fetterolf at 12:15, with assists by Riley Clark and Matthew Frost.

Kingston struck again as Riley Clark just 11 seconds after Will Bishops goal was unmarked at the left circle and went glove side on Ryder Fetterolf to tie the hockey game at four. The secondary assist was from Nolan Buttar.

The scrappiness continued as Cooper Foster (Ottawa) and Tomas Pobezal (Kingston) dropped the gloves right at the Kingston net after a whistle and did more tying each other up than throwing punches at 13:52 of the second.

67’s defenceman David Bedkowski broke the tie when he stepped into the play and received a great pass from Spencer Bowes, ripping it top right corner on Gavin Betts to make it 5-4 Ottawa with 30 seconds left in the second period. Nic Whitehead had the secondary assist.

67’s captain Cooper Foster capitalized on the power play to extend the lead to two once again as he received a pass from Nic Whitehead in the bumper position and blew it past Gavin Betts to make it 6-4 67’s at 13:08 of the third period. The secondary assist was from Kohyn Eshkawgoan.

The 67’s got into some penalty trouble in the dying minutes of the hockey game as Shaan Kingwell and David Bedkowski both took penalties with under five minutes left and sent Kingston on a five-on-three power-play. However, Connor Bewick sent the puck 180 feet down the ice for a shorthanded empty net goal to put the game away at 19:22. Jasper Kuhta had the secondary assist.

Ottawa leads the best-of-seven series 1-0. Shots finished 31-30 in favour of Kingston. Ryder Fetterolf saved 27 of 31 and got the win for his team in his playoff debut. Game 2 goes Sunday at 3 p.m. at TD Place.

Ryder Fetterolf takes warmups in preparation for game one at TD Place on March 27, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

67’s forward Spencer Bowes spoke on the message head coach Dave Cameron gave to the group heading into Game 1.

“He’s just telling us, it’s gonna be a lot harder, a lot quicker, faster and pretty much like just keep it simple and play our game, stay tight and be structured,” said Bowes.

67’s forward Filip Ekberg, who had three points in the game including two goals, spoke on the mindset heading into Game 2.

“I mean, just keep sticking with it but I think 10 minutes in the second we played a little bit not as sort of game as we should be, but we came back after that and we scored some goals,” said Ekberg.

67’s head coach Dave Cameron spoke highly of goaltender Ryder Fetterolf’s first playoff game.

“I thought he battled nerves early on. I thought he was one of the young guys that battled originally on but played through it and I think he was like all the other guys that battled I thought were really good,” said Cameron.

Cameron also spoke on what he wanted his rookie to know going into Game 1 with pressure on them.

“There’s nothing you could say that gets them over, it’s like pressure, you can’t practise pressure. You have to really experience it, and you can’t slice it and dice it throughout,” said Cameron.

Sports & Recreation

Scott Crowell

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Ottawa 67’s playoff preview

As the Ottawa 67's gear up for the OHL playoffs and prepare for a deep run, there are many things to look at

Scott Crowell

Photos: Scott Crowell

March 27, 2026
Revised: March 27, 2026 10:05am

Photo: Scott Crowell

Ottawa 67's ice surface on March 21, 2026 at TD Place.

In a year full of surprises from the rise of rookie goaltender Ryder Fetterolf to cracking the 100 point plateau this season, the Ottawa 67’s are now preparing and gearing up for a playoff run that begins with a familiar and old rival in the Kingston Frontenacs.

The 67’s head into the playoffs with the least amount of goals allowed in the entire OHL between the duo tandem of Jaeden Nelson and Ryder Fetterolf. The two goalies were awarded the Dave Pinkney Trophy, which is awarded annually to the goaltending tandem on the team that allows the fewest goals against during the regular season. It was announced on March 23.

Ottawa 67’s goaltender Ryder Fetterolf was also named the recipient of the 2025–26 F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy, which is awarded annually to the first-year goaltender with the lowest goals-against average during the regular season. The team and OHL also announced it on March 23.

This Ottawa 67’s team is filled with the combination of youth and veteran experience that can carry a team far, if every player buys in, chips in and knows that playoff hockey is a whole different beast.

Ottawa 67’s captain Cooper Foster and defenceman Frankie Marrelli have been there and done that when it comes to playoff hockey.

Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa) grinds the puck down in defensive zone at TD Place on March 21, 2026 — Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa) grinds the puck down in defensive zone at TD Place on March 21. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

Defenceman David Bedkowski heads into his fourth straight year of playoff hockey as he enters his fourth straight year now with 67’s after his previous three were with the Oshawa Generals.

67’s newbies and young guns, Thomas Vandenberg, Teddy Spitznagel, Brock Chitaroni, Jasper Kuhta, Shaan Kingwell, Zach Houben, Spencer Bowes, Filip Ekberg, Ondrej Ruml, Kohyn Eshkawkogan, Connor Bewick, will all make their playoff debuts on March 27.

The 67’s defeated Kingston in the season series with a regular season record of 6-1-0-1 and defeated the Frontenacs in the regular season finale by a score of 6-1.

Teddy Spitznagel (Ottawa) spins off attacking Kingston forward at TD Place on March 21, 2026 — Teddy Spitznagel (Ottawa) spins off attacking Kingston forward at TD Place on March 21. Photo credit: Scott Crowell

67’s forward Thomas Vandenberg spoke on how excited he is to play in the playoffs for his hometown team.

“There’s still kind of a surreal feeling towards it, especially heading towards the playoffs. I got to watch a few playoff games when I was little. It was a great atmosphere and was really good hockey,” said Vandenberg.

The 67’s will have to clean up on the amount of penalties they take as they finished the regular season with 713 PIM (penalties in minutes) which was ranked 15th highest in the OHL of 19 teams.

This is a revived rivalry, 40 years in the making and the first playoff meeting between the two teams since 1981. This will be the fifth playoff series between the 67’s and Frontenacs. Both teams have two series wins against each other, the last two series meetings going to Kingston.

One player to look out for on the Ottawa 67’s is leading goal scorer Jasper Kuhta who is riding a hot streak heading into the playoffs and will enter his first playoff series in the OHL. Kuhta will be looking to translate that regular season scoring over to the playoffs.

For Kingston it will be former Ottawa 67’s forward Jack Dever who was claimed off waivers by the Kingston Frontenacs on Jan. 7. Dever will be out to make a statement and make his former team regret placing him on waivers.

Ryder Fetterolf will have the net more than likely in game one as the starting goalie.

Here is the full round one schedule for the 67’s.

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Scott Crowell

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News Briefs: Collision injures cyclist Thursday morning in Alta Vista

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

Owen Riendeau

Photos:

March 26, 2026
Revised: March 26, 2026 9:24pm

Local

Ottawa Citizen: A male cyclist was injured in the Alta Vista neighbourhood after a collision with a vehicle Thursday morning.

Emergency crews responded to the intersection of Pleasant Park Road and Haig Drive around 6:15 a.m.

Ottawa Paramedic Services spokesperson Marc-Antoine Deschamps said the man was treated for his injuries at the scene and then transported to hospital in critical condition.

Ottawa police were investigating the collision.

National

CTV News: Border officers seized $4.5 million worth of contraband at the Point Edward crossing.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said officers seized illegal tobacco and nicotine vapes over a seven-day period at the port of entry in Sarnia, Ont.

The CBSA says the seizures are a part of growing efforts to disrupt organized crime and prevent illegal products from entering Canada.

International

CTV News: A man armed with a knife stabbed and killed a woman in a Pokemon store in downtown Tokyo, taking his own life shortly after, Japanese police said Thursday.

Officers responded to calls reporting a stabbing at the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo store. The victim was believed to be a store employee. Both the victim and the suspect were transported to hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead shortly after.

The Pokemon Company posted a statement to social media stating that the store will be closed until further notice and is currently focused on co-operating fully with the police investigation and providing support to shaken employees.

News

Owen Riendeau

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Algonquin College profs produce curling events for Winter Olympics

While many dream of making it to the Olympics for sport, television and streaming video professors Matthew McCooeye and Michelle Young's dreams were behind the camera

Nylah Henry

Photos: Supplied by Michelle Young

March 26, 2026
Revised: March 26, 2026 3:02pm

Photo: Supplied by Michelle Young

Broadcasting – Television and Streaming Video alumna and faculty member Michelle Young, pictured at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games.

Michelle Young, a professor in Algonquin College’s television and streaming program, braved the mountain region of Cortina d’Ampezzo to document the sport known as “chess on ice”: curling.

“Working at the Olympics is a goal I’ve had for a long time, so realizing that was super rewarding,” said Young, an alumna of the very program she now teaches in.

Young is continuing to show her students in the television and streaming video program the endless, non-stereotypical job opportunities their career has to offer.

Her job at the Olympics was an enhanced video server operator, specifically as a multi-clips feed operator for curling, mixed doubles and team events. She provided footage outside of the main broadcast that could be used later.

As an educator, Young frequently relates her experiences to how she can improve learning for her students.

“I think just letting students know that making connections in this industry is what will take you further. It’s what led me to this opportunity,” she said.

“Being professional, dependable, and above all else, a good person is what will ultimately set you apart and make people remember you.”

Television and streaming video professor Matthew McCooeye is no stranger to documenting the Olympic Games. In addition to working at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games on curling coverage, McCooeye has worked at four previous Olympics.

He noticed something different at the recent Winter Olympics.

“There were at least 10 graduates of the broadcasting-television and streaming video program working in Milano Cortina, working at both the curling and hockey Olympic venues,” said McCooeye. “I’m proud to work on the same productions as the students I taught.”

Broadcasting experts working behind the scenes at Olympic Games put in long, demanding hours, but the effort is priceless, said McCooeye.

“It’s a lot of work, and a lot of hours, but it’s all worthwhile,” he said, “I worked on curling throughout the Games — there were great games, controversy and a Canadian gold medal. There were no boring days!”

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Nylah Henry

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Scholarship and bursary created in memory of slain culinary student reflect his community impact

Algonquin College partnered with C’est Bon cooking school to create a fund in memory of Joshua Qiyuk, a student killed in October 2025

Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

Photos: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

March 26, 2026
Revised: March 26, 2026 2:29pm

Photo: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

The memorial plaque made in honour of Joshua Qiyuk hangs in the Mamidosewin Centre at Algonquin College.

The Joshua Qiyuk Memorial Funds are an Indigenous, need-based bursary and scholarship made in partnership with C’est Bon Ottawa and Anita Tenasco, director of Indigenous initiatives at Algonquin College.

The funds were announced on March 9.

“We are very honoured that C’est Bon has put forth Algonquin College, the Mamidosewin Centre and Indigenous education here at the college. Their relationship with the college is quite strong,” Tenasco said. “They’re looking into other ways as well to bring support to our students.”

Joshua Qiyuk was a young, inspiring Inuk man from Baker Lake, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut. He attended C’est Bon cooking school before arriving at the college. He completed the Indigenous cook pre-apprenticeship program at Algonquin and then started a career in cooking at the restaurant Absinthe.

In October 2025, Qiyuk was the victim of a violent and fatal attack in Ottawa’s east end. Police are still searching for his killer.

The fund will support Indigenous students who generally have a harder time obtaining post-secondary education. Indigenous students face a 60-63 per cent high school graduation rate compared to 83-91 per cent for their non-Indigenous peers, making the climb to post-secondary a steep one.

“Indigenous students have to make a lot of concerted effort to get to post-secondary education,” Tenasco said. “When they have their family’s support and their community’s support, that’s certainly a huge step forward. But now, even with those supports, in today’s economy, it’s still really hard.

“To leave a small and isolated community, or the North, for a large urban centre with one bag and a couple of hundred dollars…now imagine a student who doesn’t have those supports; the difficulty has just doubled.”

Qiyuk was an example of Indigenous perseverance and the hard work required to complete post-secondary studies. His loss has been felt by many at Algonquin College, including Cory Haskins, the dean of business and hospitality.

The entrance to the Culinary section of the college, located close to the Dean's office. Photo credit: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

“Typically, as students are going through all of our programs, you see the student who’s there all the time, who’s participating, who’s engaging and then the other students start to connect with that individual because they are there and involved and engaged. And that was Josh,” Haskins said. “Always pleasant, always had a smile, very calm demeanour in a kitchen and just always very, very consistent and steady.”

Haskins elaborated on what a loss Joshua’s passing was for his community, following impressive career progress he had made throughout his young adulthood.

“Up until that day, here was a young individual who had taken a career path. He came to Algonquin, he found his home at Absinthe and the community he was with, and he was really happy in doing what he wanted to do,” Haskins said.

“The hope of coming to Algonquin, our mission, is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. And I think that is so true because students come here with hope and desires on where they want to go and what they want to do. Josh’s passing is a very tragic loss of himself and that success he made.”

Tenasco said fear and grief, especially following Joshua’s passing, should not deter Indigenous students from following their career paths and dreams, insisting that all students have a place at the college.

“Indigenous students have every right to be in post-secondary. They have every right to be at Algonquin College. They have every right to live in what is now called Ottawa,” Tenasco said.

“They are bright, they are capable, they have a lot to offer, they have a lot to teach others, and we need them.”

Culinary students in assorted programs eligible for the Joshua Qiyuk Memorial Funds. Photo credit: Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

The programs eligible for the funds include: culinary management, baking and pastry arts management, the culinary skills certificate, the baking and pastry arts certificate and the culinary skills – cook apprenticeship. Program specifics may apply.

“There’s a huge need for Indigenous cooks and Indigenous foods in the Ottawa area. We have a shortage of traditional foods that are available here in restaurants and catering services, so we’re really pleased that this scholarship is going to take place now and in the future,” Tenasco added.

Indigenous students (Inuit, First Nations, or Métis) studying in any previously mentioned culinary arts at Algonquin College can apply for the Joshua Qiyuk Memorial Funds by using the Algonquin College online application system.

Donations to the fund can also be made on the college’s website.

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Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

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Tianna Lawless-Musgrave

Muslim students reflect on Ramadan and how they managed to navigate the month

Spanning from Feb. 19 to March 19, Muslims all around the globe celebrated one of the holiest months, a time centred on prayer, reflection and strengthening bonds within the community

Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

Photos: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

March 26, 2026
Revised: March 26, 2026 1:58pm

Photo: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

Bonolo Dlamini poses for a picture during the Islamic Awareness Week event held in E-building.

Ramadan has a huge relevance to Muslims because it is the month the Qur’an was revealed and it focuses on strengthening one’s connection with God, practising empathy for the less fortunate and fostering community solidarity.

It remains one of the holiest months in Islam, serving as a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline and deep reflection.

For many Muslim students at Algonquin College, the first days of Ramadan were pretty tough when it came to navigating their daily tasks.

With Ramadan ending, students can reflect on what they achieved during the month, from the level of hard work they put in while enduring the struggles that come with fasting, to the prayers and family gatherings.

During Ramadan, the day begins with a pre‑dawn meal and the Fajr prayer, followed by fasting through work or school while staying as patient as possible and maintaining their spiritual focus. When it finally reaches sunset, the fast is broken with water, usually along with dates at the time of Maghrib, then a meal, and spending time with the family, and making sure to do the Isha and Taraweeh prayers afterwards and ending with rest before the next Sahur.

Sahur is the pre-dawn meal consumed by Muslims early in the morning before they start their daily fast during the holy month, and Fajr (meaning “dawn” or “daybreak”) signifies the first light of day before sunrise, representing new beginnings and hope. It is primarily used in Islam to denote the obligatory early morning prayer (the first of five daily prayers) performed before sunrise to begin the day with spiritual awareness.

Across the different programs and routines, students described Ramadan as a demanding and yet deeply rewarding month that can reshape the days of the believers, strengthening their faith and bringing them a sense of peace even in the middle of a busy semester.

Elias Nasser, a second-year business student, didn’t find fasting to be difficult.

“Yeah, I’m thirsty right now,” he said, “but there are a lot of times in life when we’re thirsty and we don’t drink water. It’s just a small challenge, and then we look forward to Maghrib.”

Elias Nasser posing for a picture during the Islamic Awareness week event, held in building E — Elias Nasser poses for a picture during the Islamic Awareness Week event, held in E-building. Photo credit: Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

Third‑year software engineering student Bonolo Dlamini said the month felt unusually quick but meaningful.

“It went by very fast this year, but it was a good opportunity for me to connect with my Deen,” she said. “I was able to pray a lot more than I usually do. It’s hard managing it with school, but it made me realize that I really have to prioritize my time and prioritize my Deen.”

Deen is an Arabic term that often translates as “religion,” though it would more accurately signifies a comprehensive “way of life,” which can include faith, worship, laws and daily conduct governed by divine guidance.

It goes even beyond just the rituals, encompassing social, moral and personal behavior as prescribed by Allah in Islam

Dlamini also said that she got to build a better connection with her family.

“Waking up for Sahur allows me to feel a connection with Allah,” she said. “I’m able to wake up and pray Tahajjud. I spend time with my family early in the morning, and then we pray Fajr together.”

Tahajjud is a highly recommended voluntary night prayer in Islam performed after Isha (one of the five daily prayers) and before Fajr, ideally after waking up from sleep in the last third of the night.

Dlamini explained how she managed her time to avoid exhaustion throughout the month.

“I always try to do my studying early in the morning when I’m least exhausted,” she said. “So I do that in the morning, and then I spend the rest of my afternoons just praying. That’s how I manage everything.”

Third‑year biotechnology student Abd el-Karim described the final stretch of the month as both tiring and emotional because of his attachment to the month and the good that comes with it.

“It’s been tough the last couple of days,” he said. “You’re waiting for Eid to come, but you’re also sad that Ramadan is leaving.”

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Mohamed Abdallah Jbili

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Students’ love for singing fuels their courage at karaoke night

The Observatory was filled with cheers, clapping and encouragement which poured into the halls

Tyrell Taylor

Photos: Tyrell Taylor

March 25, 2026
Revised: March 25, 2026 3:57pm

Photo: Tyrell Taylor

Cole Martin, singing along to "Go with the Flow" at the Observatory.

The Students’ Association held another karaoke night, giving more students a chance to showcase their vocal skills in the Observatory on March 20.

People in the crowd clapped, cheered and whistled their approval, and in some cases they were surprised by amazing vocal performances.

The night started off with an explosive performance from a member of the event staff, singing the exhilarating track Just Like You by Three Days Grace.

“Our objective and our goal is to basically supply students with a fun experience on campus,” said Matteo Mongroo, an event associate from the Students’ Association.

“We have events like karaoke night where we have the space open, students can drop in and come by, it’s a social event. They can order food, have drinks, go up and sing, express themselves,” Mongroo said.

Matteo Mongroo posing outside of the Observatory. Photo credit: Tyrell Taylor

Dryden Lahaie, a first-year library and information technician student, performed Kiss of Life by Sade, using his love of singing to ease any of his worries.

“I just get stage fright generally. What helped me push through it is I just love to sing, no matter what, even if it’s in front of a big crowd,” Lahaie said.

Emilie Leger and Lucas Lebreche, who performed Sincerely, Me from the musical Dear Evan Hansen, had their own ways for calming their nerves.

“Don’t stress about it. You’re here to have fun and picture everyone as a potato chip,” Leger said.

Emilie Leger (left) and Lucas Lebreche (right) singing along to Sincerely, me at the Observatory. — Emilie Leger (left) and Lucas Lebreche (right) singing along to "Sincerely, me" at the Observatory. Photo credit: Tyrell Taylor

Lebreche offered advice to people curious about karaoke nights: “Go with a larger group of friends.”

Brandon Taylor, a first-year drawing foundation for animation and illustration student, was one of the first to get the crowd involved, clapping along to the hook of Welcome to the Internet by Bo Burnham.

“When people started clapping it was a lot easier,” Taylor said. “There’s no risk in going and doing it. The only risk is you thinking you’ll embarrass yourself, but embarrassment is a choice that you choose to feel.”

Cole Martin, a second-year horticultural industries student, put his vocals to the test with Go with the Flow by Queens of the Stone Age. His advice to future performers was blunt and straight to the point: “Just do it. We’re here to appreciate everyone. Be a part of the community.”