K’wlipaï8ba W8banakiak wdakiw8k.
The Abenaki people welcome the Bishop’s University community to their territory. It is a great privilege to gather, learn, work and play on the traditional lands and waterways (Nikitawtegwasis / Little Forks) of the W8banaki Nation, who are part of the Wabanaki Confederacy.
We honour their history, traditions and stewardship of this Land by committing to learning more about their Nation’s ways of knowing, seeing and doing. We are committed to strengthening our relationship with the W8banaki Nation through acts of inclusion, consultation, visibility and reciprocity.
We recognize that we are part of an institution that contributed to the systematic erasure of Indigenous peoples and their cultures. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves and to build an ongoing relationship with this Land and its people. Education is at the core of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls-to-Action, and we are committed to advancing reconciliation through higher education. We will work together to challenge the legacies of colonialism by building our capacity for intercultural understanding, compassion and respect.
Community, Culture and Belonging
We are honoured that Indigenous students choose Bishop’s and recognize the strength, courage and sacrifice that often come with pursuing post-secondary education.
At Bishop’s, Indigenous students can find community, cultural connection and support while pursuing their academic goals. Through cultural programming, land-based activities, gatherings, workshops, guest speakers, Knowledge Holders and student-led initiatives, there are opportunities to build relationships, celebrate identity and stay connected to culture.
These experiences help create a campus where Indigenous cultures, knowledges and perspectives are visible and valued, while fostering greater understanding across the broader university community.
The Indigenous Student Success Centre (ISSC) provides a welcoming, inclusive and stimulating environment. The dynamic team provides academic support and culturally relevant programming. .We are here for you, to mentor, encourage and support you in your post-secondary journey and to celebrate your achievements.
Kwigw8mna
At the heart of Indigenous community life on campus is Kwigw8mna, an Abenaki word meaning “our and everyone’s home.” Named by Chief Rick O’Bomsawin of Odanak, Kwigw8mna was created through consultation with Indigenous students, staff, faculty and community representatives.
Guided by the principles of respect, relationality, responsibility, reciprocity and relationship-building, Kwigw8mna strengthens relationships with the Wabanaki Nation and with the land on which it rests.
It serves as a place of gathering, learning, teaching, celebrating, sharing, and research, fostering a sense of community and belonging for Indigenous peoples on campus. It is also home to the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti‑Racism Office.
The broader Bishop’s community is welcomed here and encouraged to learn about the territory and engage with respect and humility to deepen their understanding of the diverse Indigenous cultures represented on campus. The goal is to cultivate greater understanding and stronger relationships among all members of the campus community.
Within Kwigw8mna, Indigenous students, faculty, staff, Elders, Knowledge Holders and community partners come together to support student success, advance Indigenous teaching and research, share knowledge and strengthen relationships. The space also serves as a hub for Indigenous scholarship, cultural programming and community engagement across the University.
Learning through Indigenous Perspectives
Learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, languages and contemporary realities is part of the educational experience at Bishop’s.
Students can explore Indigenous perspectives through the Indigenous Studies minor, Abenaki language courses and a range of academic and experiential learning opportunities. Learning extends beyond the classroom through workshops, guest speakers, cultural programming, and land-based learning experiences that encourage deeper engagement with Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing.
These opportunities help to cultivate openness, understanding, relationality and respect.
Truth and Reconciliation
Reconciliation is not a single initiative. It is an ongoing commitment to learning, relationship-building and action.
Bishop’s is committed to strengthening its relationship with the W8banaki Nation through acts of respectful consultation, inclusion, visibility and reciprocity. We recognize our responsibility to disrupt the legacies of colonialism and to advance reconciliation through higher education.
This work continues through education, dialogue, community partnerships, Indigenous student support, cultural programming and spaces such as Kwigw8mna. It also reflects the broader commitment at Bishop’s to building a diverse, inclusive and supportive community.
Meet the Indigenous Student Success Team
Whether you’re exploring Bishop’s as a prospective student, looking for support as a current student, or interested in learning more about Indigenous life on campus, the Indigenous Student Success Centre team is here to help.