Dual Credit TDSB Urban Indigenous Education Center students to Odeyto | Faculty of Arts

On April 26^th, Seneca’s Dual Credit students from the Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) participated in a trip to Odeyto on Newnham Campus.  Students were met by Elder Blu Waters, First Peoples Manager Leigh Simpson-Ahwanaquot, and First Peoples Counsellor Karen White.

Students were given a tour of Odeyto, that explained the creation and meaning all the artwork throughout the space, including the 3D mural that ‘came to life’ once you scanned the QR code.  Every piece of artwork throughout Odeyto has a history and resonated with everyone in a certain way.

Artwork Credit: Future Ancestors by Quinn Hopkins

The first activity students participated in, focused on reconnecting with themselves and their lives.  Students were first encouraged to introduce themselves and share their plans for their future.  Afterwards, students drew a landscape where each element included represented a different aspect of their life (challenges, goals, motivations, hinderances).  They drew each component and wrote words in it based on the meaning – it included a canoe, then water, trees/mountains, then logs & rocks in the water, wind and the sun.  Everything had a symbolism for what it represented in their lives. It was a great way to reflect on goals and acknowledge challenges.

Students after their self-reflection activity.

After lunch, students were able to learn about sacred medicines and their uses and applications.  Students were able to cleanse themselves with the burning of sage and wash away the negative engery.  To many Indigenous people cross Turtle Island, tobacco is considered the first plant Mother Earth gifted and is used to give thanks.  To continue this practice in their lives, students planted tobacco and sage seeds that they were able to bring home.

Students cleansing themselves with sage, students planting tobacco and sage seeds.

The artwork below is titled Don’t be Shy by Joi T. Arcand and it was a perfect summary for the day as everyone was encouraged to be vulnerable with themselves and others.  The Dual Credit team would like to thank Odeyto for allowing our UIEC students to come and participate in a beautiful day.  

Students enjoying lunch together Artwork Credit “Don’t be shy” in Cree syllabics by Joi T. Arcand