Canadore College’s The Village project has received a $300,000 donation to its capital campaign from the Canadore Students’ Council (CSC).
In the past two months, Canadore has already announced donations totalling $1.3 million to add to the $5.63 million from the federal government and $800,000 from the province. The overall fundraising campaign goal is $5 million from non-government sources.
The president of the CSC, Robin Chokomolin, is currently studying in the Indigenous wellness and addictions program and says, “Looking at The Village, in particular, it is a place where people come together to learn about caring for each other, but in bold and unique ways through meshing traditions. Our communities need this, and it feels amazing to be a part of it in some way.”
CSC has requested that $250,000 be directed to naming The Village’s roundhouse, one of the dedicated spaces within the complex where Elders and Knowledge Keepers will help students explore and celebrate Indigenous Peoples, histories, languages and customs through sacred fire, cultural food, Indigenous harvesting and preparation, and cultural arts.
Of the balance, $25,000 is earmarked to match the TD Bank donation for Indigenous student awards, and the other $25,000 is in support of first-generation students and learners working through mental health struggles.
The Village concept by Canadore College is being billed as the only model of its kind in Canada, focused on collaborative interprofessional education and the integration of Indigenous, Eastern and Western healing and wellness practices. The centre will integrate seniors’ and community care, with teaching, experiential skills training and applied research provided by Canadore College, all in one facility.
The facility’s construction and technology is valued at $20 million in total.
To learn more about The Village and the different ways to give to the capital campaign, contact the Canadore Foundation by contacting Brad Gavan at 705.840.3473 or [email protected].
