Ototemiwewin Student Lounge
Indigenous Supports
The Otôtemiwewin Student Lounge is a vibrant gathering place to learn about Métis, Inuit and First Nations cultures.
It welcomes all members of the Lakeland College community to engage in cultural experiences:
- Indigenous-led activities such as beading and ribbon skirt workshops.
- Elders and Knowledge Keepers regularly visit to share hair, tipi and medicine teachings.
- Soup and Bannock Days, where students and staff come together to share a meal and stories.
The lounge's design features many cultural traditions:
- The seating is arranged in a large circle to encourage open conversation and connection.
- Displayed around the room are prints tied in Kokum hoods, representing the Four Directions.
- Indigenous art is showcased, offering moments for self-learning and reflection.
- The lounge is frequently smudged.
We call this room "Otôtemiwewin", which means "friendship" in Cree. It reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
What is Otôtemiwewin?
Indigenous Support Services respectfully approached Elder Florence Blois-Carter, from Onion Lake Cree Nation, with an offering of tobacco and print. We sought guidance for a name that would embody the spirit of community and learning within the lounge.
The Elder gifted the name Otôtemiwewin, pronounced “Oh-tô-tay-mo-w’n,” meaning "friendship" in Cree. This name reflects the warm and welcoming atmosphere we strive to cultivate at Lakeland.
To honour this name and its significance, Indigenous Support Services collaborated with Nevin Jarvis, a Lakeland energy student and artist, to create a painting. The artwork is a visual representation of the college's academic diversity and its commitment to Indigenous culture.
The canvas features niso mikiwāhp (Two Tipis), representing the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses, filled with rich symbolism. Each element embodies a distinct area of study at Lakeland College.
Continuing education and foundational learning are symbolized by otêhimina (strawberry) plants, often referred to as the "heart berry" by Indigenous peoples due to their shape. These interconnected plants, linked by a network of leaves, runners and roots, represent growth and the many pathways available to those pursuing continuing education.
The first hill signifies agricultural sciences programs. The second hill symbolizes the environmental sciences programs. The third represents the energy programs, reflecting the energy present in all things around us.
A solitary figure with a long braid, seen from behind, symbolizes the health and wellness programs. Hair, regarded as an extension of the spirit, reflects how we care for ourselves and others. The fire depicted in the artwork represents the fire and emergency services programs.
The image of a Câpân (great grandparent) holding hands with a Câpân (great grandchild)—a term meaning "the one who holds my hand" and used interchangeably between the two—represents human services. Their hand holding gesture also symbolizes inclusive education, illustrating how we lift each other up.
A person finger-painting the mikiwāhp honors the interior design technology program. Trades and Technology is represented by a bone scraping tool near the fire, symbolizing the tools and machines essential to the trades.
The business programs are symbolized by an eagle feather, a representation of knowledge. It reflects the opportunities available to students through various degree pathways offered in partnership with other institutions. An arrow, placed near the tools and fire, symbolizes the university transfer program, highlighting the many directions students can take.
The northern lights shining above house the animals of the Seven Grandfather Teachings:
- The beaver for wisdom
- The eagle for love
- The buffalo for respect
- The bear for courage
- Bigfoot for honesty
- The wolf for humility
- The turtle for truth
The piece is further enriched with the presence of sacred medicines, including sage, sweetgrass, cedar and tobacco, grounding the artwork in traditional teachings and practices.
When all these elements come together, we have Otôtemiwewin (Friendship) and we walk side-by-side in the Lakeland way.
Book the lounge
The lounge is available for internal and external meetings. The circular seating arrangement fosters open discussions, where everyone can see and engage with one another. Moveable desks provide flexibility for group work or structured activities. If you’d like to book an Elder or Knowledge Keeper, please send us an email.
To book, email indigenous@lakelandcollege.ca.