The New Westminster campus of Douglas College now has another community amenity.
On Jan. 19, the college hosted a two-part opening ceremony, complete with speeches from Lt.-Gov. Steven Point and Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the QayQayt Nation, celebration dances from the Douglas College student pow wow group, and opening and closing prayer songs from an elder from the Sto: lo First Nation.
"From time immemorial, our lands have been a place of gathering," said Larrabee in her welcoming speech. "Our ancestors welcomed others to come together here: to fish, to hunt, to gather berries, to share stories and wisdom by the river, a gathering place, a resting place."
The aboriginal gathering place is a purpose-built extension to the fourth floor of the south building with a view of the Fraser River. The space will feature commissioned artwork to showcase the art and culture of aboriginal peoples. The facility is a place where aboriginal students and members of the local community can gather together and celebrate.
The opening festivities also included a traditional ceremony of smudging and cedar brushing the artwork.
"Today, we open a magnificent facility for students and community members to gather together in peace and fellowship to honour the heritage of this territory and share in the power of dreams," said Scott McAlpine, president of Douglas College.
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