Lakehead Orillia Indigenous Initiatives

Odemin Dbik-Giizis - Strawberry Moon is our next full moon. It will be held at our Lakehead Orillia campus at
5:30pm June 29-2026. Please registrar and join us for food and ceremony.

Join the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Knowledge Keepers Tim McGregor and Cheryl May for our annual tipi raising event at Lakehead in Orillia! Wed. June 10th, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm, with lunch to follow. Please register by scanning the QR code on the poster or by clciking on this link: https://forms.gle/mWpMTrPeyz6xdKWu5
The tipi raising at Lakehead started in 2017 in response to Indigenous students requesting a visible space to honour their presence and to highlight Indigenous representation on campus. With the support of community, it remains an important space for gatherings and cultural connection for students, staff and faculty from June to October.

Join the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the Orillia Native Women’s Group for a Planting Ceremony in the Wiigwasitig Gitigaan (‘Birch Tree Garden’) and the Ambe Tigadaw (‘Three Sisters Garden). It’s that time of year to express gratitude, connect with nature, and share in the sacredness of the gardens and their purpose.
Date: Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Lakehead University, Behind Simcoe Hall
*Please note: The ceremony takes place outdoors weather permitting. Your registration includes lunch served indoors in Maawnjigamig. Free parking is available through entrance off Line 15, near the C-CAN.
Register here: https://forms.gle/qe7jxZWUWcxMz4pg8

Aaniin Kina Weya Everyone! Tomorrow is Aki Giizhigad (Earth Day)! The Office of Indigenous Initiatives is taking part in the Earth Day Event being held here at Lakehead Orillia, starting at 4:00 pm. This is a collaboration between Sustainability Orillia, The Couchiching Conservancy, and the Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning. For those interested in joining, this event is open to everyone! Feel free to bring your families for some hands on activities and complimentary refreshments. Indigenous Initiatives will be hosting some scheduled tours of our Wiigwasitig Gitigaan 'Birch Tree Garden,' along with facilitating a hands on craft in Orsi Commons from 4-6 pm.

Hard to believe we are in the last day of March! In collaboration with Orillia Native Women’s Group and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, the April Full Moon Ceremony & Potluck is happening on Wednesday April 1st, 2026 at 110 Matchedash St N, Orillia. The potluck will begin at 5:30pm with the Full Moon Ceremony to follow.

Join us for Anishinaabemowin Bingo on National Indigenous Languages Day Learn some basic Ojibwe words and win some prizes.. Did we mention there will be snacks... 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Where: 0R 1013- Maawnjigamig
When: 31/March/2026
Time: 10am-12pm

Join us for Anishinaabemowin Bingo on National Indigenous Languages Day Learn some basic Ojibwe words and win some prizes.. Did we mention there will be snacks... 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Where: 0R 1013- Maawnjigamig
When: 31/March/2026
Time: 10am-12pm

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives has partnered with Student Health and Wellness to host a Lunch & Learn this Thursday March 26th from 12-1 pm in Maawnjigamig (OR1013). In honour of Nutrition Month, we'll be watching a documentary film and sharing in some Three Sisters Soup! Please register by scanning the QR code on the poster or using the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNK_JEkMuCmIcC34rmOgCtW04yQXxybT3gWLF1wZkgpW5KcQ/viewform

Tomorrow is the big day! Lakehead University's Office of Indigenous Initiatives is excited to share that we are partnering with BANAC – Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin and Georgian College to bring the Snow Crust Moon Drum Social to the community! Join us for this vibrant gathering where music becomes a universal language and community comes alive! Come check out our Lakehead booth. Everyone is welcome - complimentary parking and admission!

Date: Saturday, March 14th, 2026
Time: 4-9pm
Location: Georgian College Barrie Campus,
One Georgian Drive / GYM (J Building) = Complimentary Parking!!!

***NOTICE OF CHANGE TO THIS EVENT***

Our sincere apologies for this change and for any inconvenience. Due to a scheduling conflict, we will no longer be able to host two additional sessions as planned. This invitation is being revised to include only the following event availability to view through zoom. Community members are still welcome to join virtually.

1:00 - 2:30 pm - Student Session - Guest Lecture
https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eo5XZv-WQZSWzzfLs4uB0g #/registration