St. Catharines university renames its Indigenous student centre
Published September 16, 2022 at 3:17 pm
As of today (September 16), the centre for Brock University students of First Nations, Métis and Inuit decent will have a new name.
Out is the former name: Aboriginal Student Services. In is the new name: the Hadiyaˀdagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre.
The Cayuga word “Hadiyaˀdagénhahs” (pronounced “Ha-dee-ya-da-gen-hahs”) translates into “they are helpers.”
The university says it was selected in consultation with both Indigenous knowledge carriers and Assistant Professor of Education Stanley ‘Bobby’ Henry, a Cayuga language pedagogy researcher.
Robyn Bourgeois, Brock’s Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, told Brock News the request for a name change was based on several factors but primarily a desire to signal transition.
“Under the leadership of Director Cindy Biancaniello, we are undertaking a reconfiguration of our centre that enhances existing services and creates new opportunities,” Bourgeois said.
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“It was important to mark this transition with a name change, and one that reflected one of our local languages.”
She believes the name change will help to make the space even more of a home for Indigenous students on campus.
As for the specific use of a Cayuga word in the name, Henry said the invitation to choose a name from their language was particularly significant.
“The Cayuga language spoken in my community is critically endangered,” he said. “The actual number of fluent speakers is unknown, but statistical data reports there are less than 50, with the majority of language speakers being second-language learners.
“It’s truly a hard time being a learner, speaker and teacher of Cayuga language, for we either act now or do nothing,” Henry said. “I seek to try and do something to preserve the vitality of our ancient, land-based language. Fortunately, I’m witnessing our people persevere Cayuga language through their ongoing commitment.”
With the name change taking place today, Interim Brock President Lynn Wells said it was reflective of the University’s strategic commitment to foster a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization.
“I want to thank our Indigenous community, including Professors Bourgeois and Henry, for their critical work here,” she said. “This name change is an important step in the Indigenization of our campus, and in ensuring that Indigenous students and colleagues feel supported at Brock.”
The first event in the newly renamed centre (TH 145) took place today and welcomed members of the Brock community to create heart-shaped messages that will appear in a participatory memorial. A second session will be held from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on September 20.
The Heart Garden aims to remember those who suffered in residential schools as well as through other forms of colonial violence and will be displayed in front of the Rankin Family Pavilion on September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
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