Student AffairsLand Acknowledgments
To learn more about why land acknowledgments are increasingly common and how to draft one that is meaningful, please contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.
Smudging and Medicines
Our Centre is a smudge-friendly space, meaning it can be smudged in at any time without needing to take additional steps.
There are many other smudge-friendly spaces on campus, including the Smudging Space in Endaayaan-Tkanónsote. Indigenous students interested in being able to smudge in residence can reach out to the Front Desk for more information and to gain access to the space.
For smudging across campus in other spaces, please review the policy and procedure.
Indigenous students in need of a smudging kit or that would like to access medicines can come to Four Directions and we can assist!
Non-Indigenous community members seeking a tobacco tie to provide an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Keeper can connect with Four Directions for assistance. We request advance notice before you come by, so that we can ensure the time works. Learn more about Protocols for Inviting Indigenous Guests.
Advocacy and Education
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Four Directions and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) work together to help students navigate concerns they have about campus. Students may connect with our Director, or our Cultural Counsellor or Indigenous Advisor who can bring concerns to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, or students may elect to reach out to the OII directly.
During the academic year, the OII will host Drop-In hours at Four Directions once a month. See our Event Calendar or watch our social media for dates/times.
The OII hosts an ongoing series called Elder Talks which all are welcome to attend. Facilitated by Te ho wis kwûnt (Al Doxtator) Elder Talk sessions are an opportunity to learn from and explore Indigenous worldviews, with a safe space to ask questions after each session. Participants are asked to come with a good mind and a willingness to listen and learn to all parts of the sessions.
They also host a monthly Community Fire for Peace and the Good Mind, which are open to all members of the Queen’s Community: an opportunity to engage in discussion, to listen, or just to sit among likeminded community members. All are welcome and asked to come with a good mind and openness to learning from the discussions.
The Human Rights and Equity Office
The Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO) have mechanisms in place to help students or staff report instances of harassment or discrimination, including the IN-SIGHT anonymous submission form or appointments with Equity Advisors. If you believe you have experienced an infringement of your human rights, you can reach out to the HREO or connect with our Cultural Counsellor or Indigenous Advisor who can help arrangement an appointment for you. Students are welcome to bring a support person such as a friend, loved one or student advisor to these meetings.
The HREO has an extensive library of education modules around equity, including decolonization and reconciliation.
Community Resources
The Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest (KNCLN) is the most prominent Indigenous resource in the area, which runs several programs weekly and partners regularly with the City of Kingston and other community organizations to run events such as the City's Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony.
The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) has an extensive collection of literature and resources related to Indigenous culture and histories. They also host Indigenous programming open to all, including beading and other crafting with Indigenous artists, speaking events and more!