1971
A foundation is set
Grant MacEwan Community College is established, laying the groundwork for future student services and Indigenous student support.
For more than 50 years, MacEwan has worked with Indigenous students, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and communities to create spaces of belonging, learning and connection. This timeline highlights key moments in the growth of Indigenous initiatives and kihêw waciston’s evolution.
1986
Early Indigenous programming begins
The Office of Multiculturalism and Indigenous Programming is created, marking the first coordinated effort to support Indigenous students and programming at MacEwan.
Late 1990s
Early leadership and advocacy
Lynda Ferguson coordinates Indigenous programming, focusing on access, learning supports and building pathways for Indigenous students. Read about Lynda in the Indigenous news publication archives of Aboriginal Multi-Media Society.
2002
The Aboriginal Education Centre is recognized
The Aboriginal Education Centre is formally recognized and opens a permanent space at City Centre Campus for Indigenous student support and learning , as listed in the Guide to Aboriginal Organizations in Alberta.
2003
Dedicated leadership strengthens the centre
Lynda Ferguson is established as the Director of the Aboriginal Education Centre, confirming its role as a permanent support and learning centre. Lynda was interviewed for the Report Investigating the Learning Styles of Aboriginal Students.
2006 to 2010
Growing space for gathering and ceremony
The Aboriginal Education Centre relocates to the first floor of Building 7 on City Centre Campus, offering a larger, more flexible space for advising, classroom learning, smudging and community gatherings. See listing on page 30 of the Guide to Indigenous Organizations and Services.
2008 to 2015
Support expands across campuses
Indigenous programming extends beyond City Centre Campus to Arts and Communications and Alberta College campuses. If you are interested in reading past annual reports, contact us and we’d be happy to share them with you.
2016
kihêw waciston is named
On August 23, the centre is renamed kihêw waciston, meaning “eagle’s nest” in Cree, in a naming ceremony led by Elder Patrick Lightning of Ermineskin Cree Nation.
2017
Honouring Elders and teachings
Allard Hall’s central atrium is named to honour Elder Jerry Wood, with displays recognizing his teachings and legacy.
2017
Knowledge Keeper role takes root
Roxanne Tootoosis serves as the first Knowledge Keeper, opening meetings with prayer and ceremony and helping shape institutional understanding of Indigenous protocols and practices, including a formal policy.
2019
A purpose-built space opens
The new kihêw waciston space opens in Paul Byrne Hall in the Robbins Health Learning Centre on November 7, alongside a Treaty Six marker. The 6,000-square-foot centre is intentionally designed with tipi-inspired architecture, a fire circle and gathering spaces.
2024
Indigenous leadership elevated
MacEwan creates the Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement role. Terri Cardinal is appointed as the inaugural AVP, bringing Indigenous initiatives into senior leadership.
2025
Wayfinding on campus
Mosaic wayfinder tiles featuring turtles appear throughout MacEwan, offering guidance to kihêw waciston and marking Indigenous presence across the university.
Drop by to say hello (or tânsi)
Everyone is welcome at kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre. If you’d like to explore our space, learn about our programs and services or simply stop by for a visit, we are happy to meet you. We will greet you with tânsi, the Cree word for hello.
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