Loyalist College hosts inaugural Summer Bridge Camp for Indigenous students

Belleville, Ontario, July 25, 2023 – This month, Loyalist College welcomed eight students on campus for its first-ever Summer Bridge Camp. Hosted by Loyalist’s Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks team, the Summer Bridge Camp combines seasonal fun, cultural workshops and academic programming to provide Indigenous students with the knowledge and resources they need for a smooth transition to college.

From July 10 – 13, Summer Bridge Camp participants were immersed in student life, staying overnight in residence, enjoying cultural workshops and touring campus facilities. Students met with faculty, were introduced to a range of student services, and gained a deeper understanding of the College’s welcoming community and holistic approach to supporting their academic success.

“As more Indigenous youth from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and across the province choose Loyalist College, we are embracing our responsibility as an educational institution to ensure our Indigenous students are successful by engaging and supporting them as they begin their post-secondary journey,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “I would like to thank our Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks team for leading the Summer Bridge Camp as Loyalist continues to cultivate a culturally safe and inclusive learning and working environment for all.”

Camp activities included a beach day, game night, scavenger hunt, fire, storytelling and BBQ, creating essential opportunities for students to share experiences and develop lasting bonds with their peers.

“The Summer Bridge Camp allows Indigenous students to build relationships with each other and develop community at Loyalist,” said Tewathahá:kwa Jennifer Maracle, Director of Indigenous Services at Loyalist. “We hope that every student came away from their camp experience ready for their academic journey, confident in their network of support, and secure in the knowledge that there is a safe place to embrace and explore their cultural identity.”

Learn more about Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks and Indigenous Services at Loyalist College.

About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

– 30 –

Contact: 
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com