Spaces

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives is active in all Lakehead University Orillia Campus buildings. 

Residence Building (OR)

Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OR1019)

Located on the 1st floor of the Residence Building, past the elevators in the Student Affairs/Social Work hallway, our office is a designated safe space for smudging. Meet with the Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator to create a personalized plan and network of support to suit your goals/needs or arrange to meet with an elder. 

Maawnjigamig Academic Success Zone (OR1013)

"The Zone" is located on the 1st floor of the Residence Building, past the elevators in the Student Affairs/Social Work hallway. This is a designated safe space for smudging and where you can access the kitchenette (fridge, microwave, coffee, tea and snacks). Occasionally we use this space for gatherings and activities. 

Wellness Centre

Also located on the 1st floor of the Residence Building in the Student Affairs/Social Work hallway, the wellness centre is occasionally utilized by Indigenous Initiatives as a confidential space for students to meet with an elder. 

Simcoe Hall (OA)

Alumni Commons

Located on the 2nd Floor of Simcoe Hall Building, the Alumni Commons is a designated safe space for smudging and where students have 24/7 access to traditional medicines and tobacco tie supplies. For access outside of regular business hours, please see our friends in Security on the 1st floor beside Student Central where they can remotely open the door. 

Heritage Place

Traditional smudging takes place at our Heritage Place campus by request with at least two days' notice. Please contact the Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator for support. 

For more information about smudging on campus, please view our policy. 

Wiigwasitig Gitigaan "Birch Tree Garden"

The Wiigwasitig Gitigaan is lovingly named after the paper birch tree which looks to the four directions. This area is located behind the Simcoe Hall building and is open for everyone to enjoy and contribute with guidance. We are especially grateful to the students of the Lakehead Farm Club, Orillia Native Women's Group Ambe Tigadaw program, and all volunteers who help to maintain this beautiful space. For more information or to arrange for a visit with your class, please contact the Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator. The Wiigwasitig Gitigaan includes: 

Medicine Wheel Teaching Garden 

Ambe Tigadaw Three Sisters Garden 

Tipi and Fire Pit 

Community Gardens 

Our friends at the City of Orillia also run the Allotment Garden within this area. Individuals and families register for a numbered raised bed in the early spring through the City of Orillia Community Gardens Coordinator. More information is posted here: https://www.orillia.ca/en/living-here/communitygardens.aspx