Kina’masuti aqq Apognamasuti (Learning and Help)
Located in a cozy house at 46 Melody Drive (lower level – access off of College Road), the Kina’masuti aqq Apognamasuti (Learning and Help) Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) supports students in an educational and culturally engaging space on the MSVU campus. As part of a larger strategy dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for Indigenous students attending the University, the ISC is a non-judgmental space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can gather, collaborate, and engage in dialogue around contemporary Indigenous issues.
Red Dress Day
Red Dress Day is the National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. It takes place each year on May 5. Because that’s a Sunday this year, we’ll mark the day at MSVU on Friday, May 3, 2024.
Red dress installation: On May 3, a number of red dresses will hang from the trees on the MSVU campus adjacent to the Bedford Highway. These empty dresses are reminders of the lives lost.
Guest speaker – Denise DiGiosia: All are welcome to attend a presentation by Denise at 10 a.m. outside in front of the Seton Academic Centre (or in the lobby if it’s raining) at MSVU. Denise is Senior Advisor, Mi’kmaw and Indigenous Initiatives (L’nuey Nikanus) at the Nova Scotia Community College. A light lunch will follow in Seton Room 457 – please RSVP to indigenousservice@msvu.ca if you plan to attend the luncheon.
Learn more about the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Services
The ISC offers referrals, cultural and traditional activities, social support, and so much more. Academic Advising and Writing Centre appointments can be held at the ISC on request.
What can you do at the ISC?
At the ISC you’ll find: computer stations; access to Wi-Fi; a group study area with a large table to seat up to 12 people; a lounge with comfortable seating; a large-screen TV; printing and faxing services; and a growing collection of Indigenous-based resource materials – many of which are available for loan. The ISC also hosts a number of events.
Indigenous Garden
Students, faculty and staff are welcome to tend to the ISC garden that is filled with tobacco, sage, sunflowers, kale, and perennials. The ISC also dries the plants, particularly tobacco, to be used for smudging.
Our mission
The Indigenous Student Centre strives to provide an opportunity to empower, encourage and educate all students of all nations in an environment rooted in Indigenous cultures and values. Mount Saint Vincent University ta’n L’nu’k etl mawita’jik aq melkuktimi’tit kisi apoqnmasin aq kina’masin wen L’nuiktuk.
Our values
- Protection / kelo’timek
- Preservation / anko’timek
- Promotion / welkwija’luek
- Empowerment / melkuktimek
- Encouragement / ajipjutuek
- Education / kekina’mueyek
More Information
- Indigenous Initiatives
- Smudging Guidelines
- Conduct of Smudging Ceremonies
- Requesting Services of an Elder
Photo gallery
Find photos of the various events and initiatives led by the Indigenous Student Centre.
