Wampum Learning Lodge - WesternU

10/08/2026

The Culture Nights program is back this Wednesday at the Wampum Learning Lodge!

Bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings, the Wampum Learning Lodge opens our doors to bring together both our Western and local communities for three different cultural programs for crafting, fitness, and drumming!
- Indigenous Community Craft Circle (4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) (This week: Rawhide Necklaces)
- Pow Wow Fitness Class with Lisa Hill from Moccasin Flow (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) (Yoga mat provided)
- Young Indigenous Men’s Pow Wow Singing Practice with Ray Deleary (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

Program Dates (Fall Semester):
October 14, October 28, November 11, November 25, December 9
*Food and refreshments are served each night.

Indigenous Community Craft Circle and Young Indigenous Men’s Pow Wow Singing Practice are open to Indigenous students and local Indigenous community members.

Pow Wow Fitness Class is open to everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and local community members – bring your friends!

No experience is necessary for participation in any of the programs.

See full descriptions and program dates here: https://wampumlearninglodge.uwo.ca/programs-and-events/culture-nights.html

Have questions or want to bring a group? Let us know by email [email protected]

10/07/2026

Meet Emmaline, our new Indigenous Cultural Reclamation and Revitalization Coordinator! 🎉

Maaba Meshkogaabwid. Emmaline Beauchamp zhaaginoshiiwinkaazo. Makwa doodeman. Gaa-ginoshkodeyag dbendaagzi. Gii-kognigaza Waabinong, Nova Scotia zhinikaade. Gii-aanjigozi maampii kwezenhswid (Ontario). Gashi aawi. Monty II Mcgahey wiidimaaganan miinwa wiin niizh niijaanisan ayaawan. Eta anishinaabemtaawaawan. Niishtana shi nswi biboonigizo Shkintam gii-noondang Anishinaabemowin. Anishinaabemowin gii-maajii-ndakendaan. Daapinaan Anishinaabe aadziwin gaye. Wii-miinaan binoojiiyan. Gii-kinoomaage aanin Gizhaadigegamigong, eshkinijig e-kinoomaagewgamigoon, enji-mooshkin anishinaabemowaading Londoning- Anishinaabeg, Oneida, Lenape aking. Pane da-gagwe-gikendaan ji-anishinaabemod.

This is Meshkogaabwid. (Strong Standing One). Her English given name is Emmaline Beauchamp. (She/her). She is bear clan and belongs to Long Plain FN, Manitoba. She grew up on the east coast and relocated to Ontario as a child. She is a mother to two young children who she and her husband Monty II McGahey try to raise in Anishinaabemowin. She first heard her language at age 23 and has been reclaiming her language ever since. She has been picking up ceremony and cultural teachings and practices as well as she wishes to pass it on to generations to come. She has taught in many educational sectors such as Early Childcare Operators, Secondary schools, Resource development, and language immersive environments within the territories of Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Lenape nations where London resides. She has experience in curriculum writing and resource development and project planning for Anishinaabemowin Revitalization projects. She will always strive to be a proficient speaker of Anishinaabemowin.

Please join us in welcoming Emmaline to the team! 👋

10/06/2026

Join the Wampum Learning Lodge for our annual Round Dance!

Friday, November 6, 2026
Annual Round Dance
5 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Open to all

MC: Meeg Snake
Stickman and Pipe Carrier: Harvey Dreaver
All singers will be acknowledged.

Pipe Ceremony: 4:30 p.m.
Feast: 5 p.m.
First Song: 6 p.m.
Giveaway: 11 p.m.
Specials to be announced

We will not be able to host vendors at this event due to capacity constraints.
This is a substance-free event.

Wampum Learning Lodge, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario
Parking is free at all Althouse Faculty of Education parking lots.
More information or questions, email [email protected]

Please listen to the MC at all times for instructions, announcements, and protocol (especially regarding photography).

10/04/2026

On October 4, we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), and stand in solidarity with their families, loved ones, and communities.

In Anishinaabemowin, we say:
Msko-mjigoodenh ndogoodenoonanim ji-mkwendaming gaa-zhiwebak.
In English, we say:
We hang our red dresses to remember.

This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of colonial violence and the urgent need for action, justice, and accountability. We encourage our community to learn, reflect, and support efforts that advance safety, dignity, and justice for Indigenous Peoples.

We encourage everyone to learn more about the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and see which Calls to Justice can be actioned in your daily life by visiting www.mmiwg-ffada.ca

09/30/2026

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR).

September 30 is a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors and their families and communities.

At this time, we must listen to Survivors and stand together, recommitting ourselves to learning the truth and working toward reconciliation. We urge everyone to continue to stand against ignorance, racism, and residential school denialism.

When attending events today, please be considerate of Indigenous attendees who may be participating as part of their own healing.

A sacred fire will be lit at the Wampum Learning Lodge until 2 p.m. for campus and local community members to visit together and offer prayers.

Educational Events Happening Across Campus:

🧡 Allyship in the A.M.
10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. | Social Science Centre, Room 2050

🧡 Biinaagami Floor Map
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Weldon Library, Community Room

🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Book Display
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (throughout October) | Weldon Library

🧡 Reimagining Classification: Indigenous Literature at the Wampum Learning Lodge
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | FIMS & Nursing Building, Room 3020 (hybrid)

🧡 Transforming Insight Into Impact: Advancing Indigenous Health Equity
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Schmeichel Entrepreneurship and Innovation Building, Room 1110

🧡 Film Screening: Canoe Carry Me Home
1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Huron Theatre

🧡 Métis Nationhood, Citizenship, and Recognition
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Stevenson Hall, Room 1145 (hybrid)

Please remember, allyship requires action every day of the year.

Learn more about NDTR events at Western here: indigenous.uwo.ca/NDTR

09/29/2026

What have we inherited? What can we choose to heal?

Through personal storytelling and reflection, Kamryn Whiteye explores truth and reconciliation through the lens of resiliency, healing, and Indigenous identity.

🧡 Truth and Resiliency with Kamryn Whiteye
📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Wampum Learning Lodge
👋 Open to everyone
🍽 Lunch included - register now!

Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous woman, educator, student, and professional, she reflects on the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma, while honouring the strength, knowledge, culture, and ways of being that Indigenous peoples have continued to carry forward.

This keynote invites participants to consider what we have inherited, what we can choose to heal and unlearn, and the responsibility we each hold in moving reconciliation beyond recognition and toward meaningful relationships and action for future generations.

Register now: https://www.uwo.ca/events/2026/10/truth-and-resiliency-whiteye.html

09/24/2026

Looking for plans on September 30?

Begin the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in reflection and community at a Sunrise Ceremony led by Elder Mike Hopkins.

📅 Tuesday, September 30
🕙 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 Wampum Learning Lodge

Event Details:
- Please wear orange to show your support
- Breakfast and refreshments served following the ceremony
- Sacred fire will remain lit until 2 p.m.
- Visitors are welcome throughout the day to pay respects and offer prayers
- Long skirts admired, but not required

This gathering holds space for Survivors and intergenerational Survivors, and honours the children who never returned home.

Educational Events Happening on September 30 Across Campus:

🧡 Allyship in the A.M. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
10 a.m. | Social Science Centre, Room 2050

🧡 Biinaagami Floor Map
11 a.m. | Weldon Library, Community Room

🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Book Display
11 a.m. | Weldon Library

🧡 Reimagining Classification: Indigenous Literature at the Wampum Learning Lodge
11:30 a.m. | FIMS & Nursing Building, Room 3020 (hybrid)

🧡 Transforming Insight Into Impact: Advancing Indigenous Health Equity
1 p.m. | Schmeichel Entrepreneurship and Innovation Building, Room 1110

🧡 Reflecting on Allyship in the Health Professions
1 p.m. | Health Sciences Building

🧡 Film Screening: Canoe Carry Me Home
1:45 p.m. | Huron Theatre

🧡 Métis Nationhood, Citizenship, and Recognition
3:30 p.m. | Stevenson Hall, Room 1145 (hybrid)

Learn more about NDTR and events at Western here: indigenous.uwo.ca/NDTR

09/23/2026

Orange shirts for sale at the bookstore 🧡

Designed by Indigenous student Kolbi Williams (Six Nations of the Grand River) and all proceeds support Save the Barn initiative by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation 🧡

Learn more: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/truth-and-reconciliation/orange-shirts.html

09/21/2026

Join Western on September 28 for the annual Survivors’ Flag Raising Ceremony in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation.

🧡 Survivors' Flag Raising Ceremony
📅 Monday, September 28
⏰ 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
📍 Wampum Learning Lodge

The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance that honours residential school Survivors and all the lives, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element of the flag was carefully chosen by Survivors from across the country through consultations led by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

This gathering is open to all members of the Western and broader community and offers a meaningful opportunity to honour Survivors, reflect on our shared history, and reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation.

Speakers:
Mary Lou Smoke, Elder-in-Residence
Jeff Hutter, Deputy Provost
Christy Bressette, Vice-Provost/Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives
Mikayla Antone-Gregory & Shan Hunt, Indigenous Students’ Association
Leslee Henry-Whiteye, First Nations with Schools Collective
Medicine Lodge Youth Drum will sing throughout the event.

Please wear orange to show your support.🧡

Learn more at indigenous.uwo.ca/NDTR

09/18/2026

Tanya Talaga is coming to King’s! 💚

Learn more: https://kings.uwo.ca/upcoming-events/veritas-series-tanya-talaga/

One more week until the President's Veritas Lecture.

Join us on September 24 at 5:30 p.m. for award-winning Anishinaabe journalist, author, and storyteller Tanya Talaga's lecture, "Can Canada Move Towards Reconciliation?" in the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre.

This lecture kicks off the Veritas Lecture Series: The Courage of Encounter and is part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events taking place across the Western community.

We invite our community to listen, reflect, and engage with Indigenous voices and perspectives.

Learn more: https://kings.uwo.ca/upcoming-events/veritas-series-tanya-talaga/