Loyalist College has introduced a new name for the college’s Indigenous Centre.
The new name means “we gather together as a community” in Mohawk and was selected following consultation and conversation with Indigenous students and staff.
Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick says, ” … this rebrand is another important step forward in cultivating a campus culture where all of our students find a sense of belonging.”
On Wednesday, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Loyalist introduced Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks, a reimagining of the College’s Indigenous Centre that reflects the meaningful connections, warm atmosphere, and wraparound academic and social supports the Centre provides for Indigenous learners on campus.
“Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks is a safe space for our Indigenous students and community members at Loyalist – a gathering place that feels like home,” said Tewathahá:kwa Jennifer Maracle, Director, Indigenous Services at Loyalist College. “It is also a place of learning and celebration where our non-Indigenous staff and students can expand their cultural understanding.”
The Centre also introduced an updated logo designed by artist Kirk Brant of Kenhte:ke Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Brant designed each logo element to tell the story of Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks. The logo’s outer circle represents the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. Within that circle is a representation of the celestial dome, crowned with three loops signifying staff and students from the past, present and future. The two spirals swirling in different directions symbolize the Haudenosaunee people (the counter-clockwise spiral) and the Anishinaabeg people (the clockwise spiral). The bottom of the logo includes representations of the land and water on which the College campus is located.
At the logo’s centre are the students, signified by the colourful flames of a fire. A pair of hands hold the sphere of the logo, representing the Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks staff supporting and uplifting the family of students, employees and community members who rely on the Centre’s services.
“As Loyalist continues on its journey to prioritize inclusivity, this rebrand is another important step forward in cultivating a campus culture where all of our students find a sense of belonging,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “We will continue to build on this critical work, led by our Indigenous Services team, to create space for Indigenous voices, cultures and experiences on campus as we uphold our responsibility as a post-secondary institution to educate ourselves about Canada’s shared history.”
