Belleville, Ontario, June 21, 2023 – This National Indigenous Peoples Day, Loyalist is proud to introduce 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 new name means “we gather together as a community” in Mohawk and was selected following consultation and conversation with Indigenous students and staff. The Centre also introduces 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.”
Learn more about Indigenous Services at Loyalist College.
How to pronounce Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks:
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.
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Contact:
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com