Seneca campuses remain open today but day and evening in-person classes will move online where possible, due to snowfall. Read more
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Seneca Polytechnic Convocation Medallions
Why is it important that we have Medallions?
The beaded medallions Indigenous graduates wear while crossing the stage at convocation symbolize a living contract between the student and Seneca Polytechnic. Wearing the medallion signals to the community that the student has completed their time at Seneca Polytechnic and earned the opportunity to walk the stage, an opportunity that many Indigenous people before them were historically denied. Because of this history, the medallions also represent an act of reconciliation from the school, as they signal to the community that Indigenous students can represent their culture with pride in a place that historically sought to exclude them and erase their identities. When students choose to wear the medallion, they accept this act of allyship and affirm the resilience of Indigenous peoples, demonstrating that we are still here and that we still matter.
LEARNING
Spirit moon reminds us of the creator's gift of authenticity, where the only moccasins we are meant to move in should be our own. It's okay to look at someone else and be inspired by them and learn from them to manifest the life you want to live. But let's not forget that we were all gifted with our own creation story, and our spirits are all on different paths, where one path is not better than the other.
Here is a list of ways you can connect to your authentic self:
Display artwork or photographs that speak to your spirit in a place that you look at throughout the day (above computer, mirror, etc.). This is to connect to your authentic sense of joy.
Look at a picture of yourself from childhood and reflect and connect with your child self that was rooted in freedom. What shines from your child self’s heart?
Take a journey alone and embrace your own company. Get to know yourself and your strengths and weaknesses. This can be a short-day trip or a vacation.
Create a morning routine for yourself. This looks like doing a body scan: before you open your eyes in the morning visualize scanning yourself from the top of your head to the tips of your toes and everything in between as a way to connect, and learn, about how your body is doing. When we are aware of what feels good and what doesn't, and what may need attention, we are stepping into a physically authentic self.
EVENTS
Attention all students! The last day to register for ice fishing will be Friday, Feb. 4! This year you will need a fishing license to attend the trip; The First Peoples team will be covering the cost of your fishing license, transportation costs and lunch.
There will be three in-person days to get your fishing license:
If these days do not work for you, please email leigh.simpson-ahwanaquot@senecapolytechnic.ca to do online over zoom.
This story is important because it shows how a single experience of cultural discrimination can lead to broader conversations about respect, inclusion, and reconciliation. Isabella’s story is reminiscent of Phyllis Webstad’s experience, which sparked the Orange Shirt Day movement after she was stripped of her orange shirt at a residential school in 1973. Nearly 50 years later, that story led to the creation of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Together, these stories remind us that meaningful change often begins with individuals and communities, not governments. Isabella’s story not only helped establish a national day celebrating Indigenous culture and identity but also encouraged schools and institutions to confront ongoing cultural ignorance and create space for Indigenous traditions and expressions in everyday life.
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