The Indigenous Student Centre serve as the hub for Indigenous students. At the ISC, you'll find various student spaces, lounge spaces, communal kitchen with fresh groceries available for quick meals or snacks, free printing, and traditional medicines and smudging.
It is our collective responsibility to work together to create a safer environment on campus. Our community guidelines outline the ways we can maintain this space.
Located at 157 Albert St.
The ISC is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with OneCard access.
This centre is home to students from the Waterloo, Kitchener, Milton, and online campuses.
About our name: Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik is Anishinaabemowin and loosely translates into English as 'a beautiful learning house. Kathy Absolon, a professor in the Faculty of Social Work named the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC).
Located at 111 Darling St.
The ISC is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Student have after hours access till 7:30 p.m. with OneCard access.
This centre is home for students from the Brantford and Online campuses.
About our name: "Onkwe" is a noun root that means 'a being.' "On:we" is a verb root, indicating 'true,' 'original,' or 'real.' The word "Onkwehon:we" is the Mohawk equivalent of the English phrase 'Indigenous people and/or person,' but it is more directly translated as ‘the original people.’ When you add a locational suffix ":ne," the word's meaning changes to signify 'at the place of the original people.'
"Onkwehonwe:ne" is an apt description for the Brantford ISC. The centre was named by Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow, a Mohawk woman of the Bear Clan from Six Nations.
Indigenous students deserve spaces on campus that provide support, are culturally responsive, and are safer than the broader campus environment. Our community shares the responsibility of helping Indigenous Student Services (ISS) ensure that these spaces live up to that goal. We kindly ask that all students, staff, faculty, and community members, whether Indigenous or not, embody the Anishinaabe seven Grandfather teachings and Haudenosaunee Principles when they are in this space.
By embracing these teachings, we create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute positively to our community.
Love: In an unconditional manner, we must show love and share compassion with each other and with all things in creation.
Respect: We must give respect to receive it, and we must respect all living things in creation equally.
Honesty: Honesty with ourselves makes it easier to be honest with others. Being honest in every situation creates a positive atmosphere.
Wisdom: Wisdom means using practicality and intelligence to care for ourselves and each other.
Humility: Demonstrating humility means recognizing that we are equal to everyone and everything, no better and no less.
Bravery: When we are brave, we have the courage to do the most challenging things, even when they may be uncomfortable, because we know they are right and will help us grow.
Truth: Demonstrating truth means understanding all of these teachings, knowing who we are, and speaking our truth. We never deceive ourselves or others.
A part of the Great Law are three foundational values which guide Haudenosaunee on how to live amongst each other and within their own life. The follow are those principles, and others that teach us how to live with one another.
Peace is about having balance and living in connection with creation, the physical world, our ancestors and communities.
Strength is not just about physical power, but by our ability to do what is right and thinking for the generations ahead when making decisions. It refers to our individual and collective strength we create by building community.
Being aware of our thoughts and decisions, making sure we are moving in kindness, love and seeking peace. Learning more about our original teachings helps us strengthen our mind.
The following list is in the Cayuga language and adapted from Six Nations Justice Program:
