Warmly welcomed by hosts Mona Tolley and Mike Diabo, they had the opportunity to meet community elders and tour the Cultural Interpretation Centre. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the history of the reserve and the traditional practices of the Anishinaabe people, reinforcing our understanding of the cultural and historical issues that shape this community.
The delegation also had the privilege of visiting the Kitigan Zibi elementary and secondary school, where they met the management team, teachers and students. These discussions highlighted the challenges faced by high school graduates, including the transition to university studies. Among these challenges, one of the most pressing is familiarizing students with university life.
To meet this need, the faculty is currently exploring the possibility of organizing a visit to the University of Ottawa campus next spring, aimed at Kitigan Zibi students and their parents. The visit will include learning activities and meetings to help them better understand and prepare for the university environment.
Jean-Philippe explains the importance of the link: “This visit was essential to forge long-term ties with this community, with a view to incorporating indigenous knowledge into our courses and facilitating the integration of indigenous students at the University of Ottawa.
We are deeply grateful to the community of Kitigan Zibi for their welcome and generosity, and we hope that this first official visit will mark the beginning of a fruitful and lasting collaboration between our faculty and the community.