kihêw waciston means “eagle’s nest” in Cree, a name gifted to the Indigenous Centre by Elder Rick Lightning.

Our spaces are rooted in ceremony and community, shaped by the input of students, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, architects and staff. Every detail has meaning—from the etched glass panels designed by students to the eagle staff beaded with prayers for learners, from the direction of the floors to the curve of each wall. Everywhere you look in kihêw waciston, art, culture and knowledge come together.

Knowing that I had a place on campus to turn to when I was having a tough time, whether it was to light some sage and reset or be surrounded by supportive people, really helped me.
Mallory Yawnghwe, BCom ’18, co-founder, Indigenous Box
Your path to kihêw waciston

Look for the wayfinder mosaics installed on pillars across campus. Handmade by Indigenous students in partnership with the kihêw waciston and Ukrainian Resource Development Centre teams, these colourful markers lead the way to the Indigenous centre and reflect the creativity and connection that define our space.

Find us on the first floor of the Robbins Health Learning Centre at 11010 – 104 Avenue in Room 9-115. Enter at street level from 109 Street or from the second floor of Building 9. We look forward to seeing you.

Mosaic artwork of a turtle featuring red, yellow, blue, and green sections
Staff member at the front desk welcoming visitors to kihêw waciston, MacEwan University’s Indigenous Centre.

Your first stop at kihêw waciston

Every visit to kihêw waciston begins at the front desk, which is made of soapstone to reflect the peace pipe. Here, we welcome you to our space, answer your questions and connect you with advisors, introduce you to Knowledge Keepers and let you know about events happening that day.

Tables and chairs line a bright hallway at kihêw waciston, with colourful student artwork on the walls

Designed for you

kihêw waciston provides you with a space to study, create and recharge. Artwork made by community members and students lines the walls. Each piece carries its own teachings and stories. Here you will find quiet rooms, day-use lockers, an open-use kitchen, a gender-neutral washroom and much more.

A red satin dress embroidered with colourful feathers, animals, and symbols

Red dress, remembered lives

The red dress installation honours missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. Created by late Knowledge Keeper Roxanne Tootoosis with help from Indigenous students Heaven, Triumph and Cheyenne, this red dress reflects the national movement inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black. Each dress is a symbol of remembrance and a demand for justice. 

Our students value the sense of community we have here—these people think like them and are enthusiastic about the same things.
Barb Dwyer, Past Community Member
kihew-spaces-carousel-img1.jpg A student relaxes in the circular gathering space at kihêw waciston, surrounded by soft seating, artwork , and a hammock-style swing (wîwîp'son)
Unwind in the space or sign up for a wîwîp'son (swing) session.
kihew-spaces-carousel-img2.jpg Two glass-walled offices inside kihêw waciston are filled with natural light from large windows.
Book a small meeting room where you can study or have a one-on-one chat.
kihew-spaces-carousel-img3.jpg Two people cook together in the kihêw waciston kitchen, smiling as they prepare ingredients on the counter. Bowls of potatoes, dough, and chopped vegetables sit nearby
In our kitchen, ceremony lives through food and gathering—from quiet lunches to 300-person feasts.
kihew-spaces-carousel-img4.jpg An Knowledge Keeper stands at the front of a bright, circular classroom at kihêw waciston, speaking to a group of students seated around tables. Bundles of sage rest on the table as the students listen and take notes.
Knowledge Keepers lead teachings that connect learning to culture, community and respect.
kihew-spaces-carousel-img5.jpg A student meets with an advisor in a kihêw waciston office. The space features a glass wall with a bear design, a computer workstation, and Indigenous artwork.
Our advisors are the only ones on campus not tied to a specific faculty or school.
kihew-spaces-carousel-img6.jpg A study and eating area at kihêw waciston with wooden tables and gray chairs and bright Indigenous artwork by students along the walls.
Artwork made by community members and students lines the walls. Each piece carries its own teachings and stories.