Community building

We encourage our community to host events at the center, but we also provide many opportunities for students, alumni, and community members to socialize and participate in OSC planned events.

Below find previous virtual and in-person community events. Note that private event information is shared through our newsletter and on the Facebook group page. All university wide and public events are posted to the Events calendar and the Facebook page. 

Workshops

Workshop are held over Zoom, guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds teach students and alumni how to sew, write, or take care of themselves during these times. 

• Medicine bag workshops: students and alumni can register early to give time to send out materials.
• Mask making event: students and alumni learn how to sew three-layered safety masks. Registering beforehand gives time for materials to be shipped out.
• Self-Care in the Virtual World workshop: Leah Kanerahtaroroks Diome, a Registered Nurse, Board-certified Holistic Nurse, and a Board-Certified Nurse Coach from The Purple Dragonfly Trading Post hosted a session where she gave tips on how to destress and talked about the importance of self-care. 
• Poetry workshop 
• Pumpkin Carving: students must bring their own supplies to this event and enjoy the company of other community members while carving pumpkins.  

Weekly student-led social events

Students and recent alumni are invited to Zoom sessions where they play games, read books, or socialize. This opportunity allows time away from studies so they can get a fresh start to the weekend. Below are current events planned for the winter semester:

• Imposter
• Webopoly
• Murder mystery
• D&D
• Presley’s Book club 

Guest Speakers

These events held on Zoom invite speakers from a range of different fields to discuss their work and answer questions. Students are encouraged to attend and hopefully get inspired. Below are guest speakers that hosted events in the Fall 2020 semester:

• Kyle Williams: guests learned about his journey as an independent artist and being commissioned by the city of Montreal to do art pieces on the Onkwehonwe artifacts found beneath Peel Street.
• Stories and sharing: Knowledge Keeper Joseph Naytowhow shares his wisdom with Earth Mother. Joeseph is a Woodland/Plains Cree actor and songwriter.  
• ISTEM Speaker Series with Treena Delormier: STEM students are encouraged to attend, students can ask Treena questions about her journey in Human Nutrition.

Beginning and end of semester social events:

• The beginning of the semester event is a welcoming ceremony for new and returning students. Students are invited to speak about the center and what it means to them, some can present songs or give thanks. New students are introduced to the OSC staff to familiarize them with the culture of the center. 
• The end of semester event celebrates students for completing another semester, special guests are invited to help the community unwind for the holiday break. The Fall 2020 end of semester event invited comedian Ryan McMahon to do a live show and discuss current events. 

OSC Graduation Gathering: the center hosts our own graduation event before convocation. Graduating Indigenous students are gifted a sash they can wear to the university convocation. This catered event welcomes the families and friends of graduating students to celebrate their accomplishment.

Beginning and end of semester feasts: celebrates the start of the semester where students can socialize and familiarize themselves with the center and staff. The end of semester feast allows students to head into examination period with full bellies. Both feasts have prizes guests can win.

Soup and Bannock: weekly event with the Multifaith center. Students can stop by and enjoy a delicious lunch or pick up a container and save for later.

Holiday Events: during the semester the center hosts parties for students to come eat food and unwind between classes. There are usually raffles where guests can win presents.

• Costume Party
• Secret Santa
• Pumpkin Carving

Movie Night: the lounge is used as a theatre to play movies where students can settle in and eat popcorn.

Artistic Workshops: the OSC community has many talented students that participate in hosting events, however special guests are invited to the center to host workshops. Attendance is free and all supplies are made available to students. Below are some artistic workshops that have taken place at the center. 

• Beading
• Medicine Bag making
• Moccasin making
• Sand creations 

Clothing Swap: students and community members recycle clothes and accessories. Any untaken clothes or accessories are donated. 

Community Circle: restorative practice honoring the healing journey of those gathered. Reflects on interconnectedness and reciprocity.