Comfortable and safe spaces celebrating Aboriginal culture are increasing and Douglas College in New Westminster’s Aboriginal Gathering Place is the newest Aboriginal sanctuary in the city.
The comfortable room, which opened Thursday and is advertised to students throughout campus using banner printings, contains a four mete traditional welcoming pole designed by a local Salish artist.
The project is partly in response to a 2005 call by the provincial government of BC to create a feeling and space of community and acceptance for Aboriginal students on post secondary campuses throughout the province. The $1 million, 1,884 square foot multipurpose rooms contains a study lounge, classroom space and versatile room for small ceremonies.
Douglas College itself has inherited a strong Aboriginal tradition and part of New Westminster’s rich history includes the QayQayt Nations, a native tribe of the area that was closed by the federal government in 1916.
The college itself is named after British colonial governor James Douglas, who was of mixed race and married to a Cree woman.
Not only is the centre an important testament to the rich Aboriginal heritage of the area, but evidence that Douglas College is working to stop racism on campus and improve graduation rates among Aboriginal students, who have one of the lowest of the province.
The lovely work of local Print companies is evident in the Aboriginal Gathering place. The room is dominated by two large murals on the entrance walls with accompanying art poles designed by Coast Salish artist Susan Point.
Get a Free Quote for Print
Location
615 Agnes Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 1G9
Get Directions →
Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
Thu: 9:00 - 5:00
Fri: 9:00 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed