Jess Gould, XFM News
Nshwaasnangong is expecting to welcome infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in mid October.
Located at 449 Hill Street in London, a soft opening ceremony was held including ceremonial prayers and drumming with remarks by Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and Councillor Elizabeth Peloza of London.
As the new child and family centre creates a safe space, EarlyON programming will help create a focus for culturally relevant education rooted in Language and Spirit.
SOAHAC Director and Indigenous Relations Jan Martin shared during the ceremony the background of creating the centre.
“The name Nshwaasnangong means ‘place of the 8th star’. The name was gifted to our centre in an Anishinaabemowin naming ceremony and refers to the original 8th star in the Big Dipper that fell to the earth and became the Anishinaabe people. The name confers a great responsibility for caring and sharing the gifts of the sky world including culture, teachings, and language, for children and families who will attend the centre.”
The vision for the centre is focused on the beauty of collaboration.
Jess Gould, XFM News
“It takes a large circle to raise and support our little ones, and our youth. Together, our community envisions a creation of a beautiful, bright, and joyful place to honour and express our diverse identities as Indigenous people. We saw a place to rekindle our language, honour the teachings of our ancestors, and live in a balance with Mother Earth.”
The centre has a unique and intentional design from Indigenous-led firm Two Row Architect Inc. to be reflective of a turtle shape to connect with all people living on Turtle Island.
Featuring a tiered, curved roof lower in spaces for children to feel protected and ring shaped windows near the ceiling to allow sunbeams to shine through, everything in the design was intentional to help children understand the cyclical nature of the Indigenous world view.
With a flow of emotion and support by every one present at the ceremony, Lecce highlighted the importance of parents being able to bring their children to a culturally responsive and positive space.
Lecce shared the project was reflective of the government’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation for Indigenous people as well as an investment in early childhood education.
“The launch of the Nshwaasnangong child care and family centre will provide quality and free programs for London families, as well as affordable licensed child care, that proudly reflect and celebrate indigenous cultures.”
An unveiling of First Nations artist Maxine Noel’s work for the centre was also presented at the ceremony.
Noel announced all royalties made from products the image is on will be donated to the centre.
At nearly 60 per cent capacity, First Nation, Metis, and Inuit families can apply by filling out an online form to join the new centre helping families reconnect with culture and to heal from the longstanding traumas of colonialism.
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