Located near where the Désert and Gatineau Rivers meet, Kitigan Zibi is a First Nation and is the largest Algonquin Nation in Canada, both in area and population.
The visit, graciously hosted by Gilbert Whiteduck— the Faculty’s Algonquin Anishinabeg Knowledge Holder, long-time band council member, and former chief—provided wonderful opportunity to foster learning and deepen ties.
The group toured significant sites, including the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Cultural Education Centre, Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan school, the Health and Social Services Department, and the future site for the Kitigan Zibi Police Department. Each stop offered a glimpse into the community’s resilience, challenges, and aspirations.
Sonya Howard, a first-year law student, reflected on the comprehensive approach to leadership and service she witnessed. “Learning how involved the former chief is in supporting all elements of the community and administration, even providing healing and counselling services, left a lasting impression,” she said. “[Knowledge Holder Whiteduck] embodies the spirit of ‘lifting each other up’. He models how to serve one's community with grace, dignity, and humility.”
“Visiting Kitigan Zibi helps put everything into perspective. It helps the Faculty deepen its understanding of what it means to practice and teach law from a fully-embodied, holistic approach.”
Sonya Howard, 1L, English Common Law Program
— Facilitator with an Ottawa Indigenous restorative justice program
Ben Surmachynski, a second-year student and a member of Kitigan Zibi, shared his appreciation for the chance to learn in community, from community members. “Opportunities to hear and learn about Indigenous issues first-hand are so few in numbers on a university campus,” he said. “These opportunities are incredibly important as there is often a disconnect between Indigenous issues and the people that seek to solve those issues."
He added that “the visit to KZ is a reconciliatory step; it demonstrates a desire to learn from community and form connections. I hope there will be more visits and collaboration between the Faculty and my community.”
Reflecting on the visit, Kristen Boon, The Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean, highlighted the growing connection between the Faculty and KZ and the importance of cooperation. “We have a number of current students and alumni from Kitigan Zibi who play an integral role in our university,” she said.
“It was really a pleasure to spend the day in the community, to see the Nation, and to exchange on issues of current concern.”
Kristen Boon, The Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean
— Faculty of Law, Common Law Section
Learning from Kitigan Zibi's Leaders
The visitors were eager to learn everything they could from Kitigan Zibi leadership. They engaged in meaningful discussions with local leaders who highlighted the community's strengths and challenges.
Common Law graduate, Frank Meness, JD ’12, a council member, outlined pressing issues such as limited housing, seasonal employment, and the need for skilled professionals in Kitigan Zibi.
“We encourage our members to pursue higher education,” he said, noting that Ottawa is one of the closest cities offering post-secondary education opportunities. “But we also work to create opportunities here for them to thrive upon their return.
“Spaces that reflect Indigenous values and allow our students to feel included are crucial, not just in the community but also at institutions like the University of Ottawa.”
At Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan, a community school teaching children from kindergarten through to high school, Principal Freeda Morin emphasized the importance of culturally-grounded education. “Our children are filled with potential. Wherever they go in the future they will bring their identity, their culture, their goodness. The education they receive here will prepare them for the world.”
Helen Cayer, Assistant Director of Health and Social Services (KZHSS), detailed the department’s efforts to improve health outcomes and provide care across all life stages. “From prenatal programs to senior care, we are constantly evolving to meet our community’s needs,” she said.
Cayer also explained that the integration of traditional teachings is at the core of their community’s health, saying that the “KZHSS aims to include land-based learning, following the seven grandfather teachings, in many of our recreational and wellness programs.”
A Commitment to Collaboration
This visit underscored the Faculty’s commitment to listening, learning, and building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities. By fostering these connections, the Faculty not only enriches its understanding of Indigenous laws and traditions but also paves the way for greater collaboration and inclusivity.