By Katie Ryan
Lakeland College is taking steps to honour its heritage and students. Last week Elders, students and staff, including the college’s aboriginal cultural facilitator, Carla Bohnet, held a “raising of the lodge ceremony” on campus, where a traditional teepee was erected.
In her first year at the college, Bohnet is providing guidance and a voice for Lakeland’s aboriginal students.
“We wanted to put something up permanently that would give a welcoming atmosphere for everyone on campus, to bridge that gap culturally in Canada and provincially, with the hopes that we can open the avenues of communication so there aren’t misunderstandings when it comes to protocols and when it comes to different ceremonies,” said Bohnet, prior to the ceremony on Friday.
The traditional teepees will provide a space for students to practice their spiritual beliefs.
“The closer we are to the ground, then the more open we are to the creator. When we have our ceremony our prayers go up with the smoke,” said Bohnet.
“The structure itself represents the ribs. It’s a living structure, like we are all connected to the earth and that inside is like the mother’s womb, a very special place. We are really honoured to have two of those here.”
Though one teepee was raised on Friday and another one coming soon, Bohnet hopes to bring the project full circle and with a lodge facing each cardinal direction.
“We are really fortunate to have two of those directions represented,” said Bohnet, referring to the southern and eastern directions the lodges face.
“Maybe in time it would be nice to have all four of them because then the circle will be complete because everything in the aboriginal beliefs works on fours, be it the seasons, be it the cardinal directions and the medicine wheel.”
Having the lodge as part of the campus’ permanent structures is important said Glenn Charlesworth, Lakeland College president.
“From a college’s standpoint we are embracing our heritage,” he continued.
“We are celebrating our aboriginal heritage and maybe people don’t realize, but if you walk around the hallways you’ll see roughly a quarter of our students are of aboriginal background, so we want to celebrate that heritage and in a real way show that Lakeland College is an inclusive institution.”
Photo Caption: A traditional teepee is now permanently part of Lakeland College's campus. - Katie Ryan Photo