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Access and Terms of Use Guidelines for the Wampum Learning Lodge
Purpose of the Lodge
Role of the Lodge
The Lodge exists to:
- Provide a safe and dedicated space for advancing reconciliation through truth, reclamation and revitalization of Indigenous cultures and languages.
- Serve as a touchstone for Indigenous peoples and communities to engage with Western through consultation and knowledge mobilization.
- Support Indigenous students and programming on campus as a homeplace, prioritizing initiatives that give expression to Indigenous community members (both at Western and in the surrounding region).
- Foster connectivity among Western community members committed to advancing Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation.
- Advance Indigenous ways of knowing and pedagogies across disciplines through formal and informal learning.
- The Lodge is not a drop-in center. It operates through scheduled and intentional programming to best meet the needs of the Western community.
- Event Access: Everyone is welcome to attend events and programming that advance the work of Truth and Reconciliation, with priority access provided to Indigenous people at Western and local Indigenous community members and organizations.
- Outside Event Hours: When no events are scheduled, the Lodge is typically not open to general study or casual use. The only individuals who may access the Lodge outside of event hours are:
- Indigenous students registered through the Indigenous Student Centre and their guests.
- Indigenous staff and faculty members at Western and their accompanying colleagues.
- Students attending scheduled classes.
- All individuals are expected to sign in at the reception desk upon arrival.
- Allies are individuals who use their influence to advocate for and support Indigenous Peoples. This definition applies to participation in Lodge events, booking space for programming or offering classes that support Truth and Reconciliation. Engagement will follow the principle: “Nothing about us, without us.”
- A Lodge is a space reserved for cultural, educational, social and healing purposes where both open and closed cultural, spiritual and governance practices occur.
- People invited to attend the Lodge are required to observe prescribed protocols indicated for the occasion. These protocols are rooted in cultural and Treaty frameworks and support Indigenous self-determination in education. Observing them constitutes a form of learning and respect for Indigenous cultural expression, practices that were at times prohibited in Canada.
- Align with the Wampum Learning Lodge’s Vision & Mission.
- Reflect Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (2016).
- Support Towards Western at 150 (2021), Theme 2: People, Community and Culture – Advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- Give full expression to Indigenous cultures, identities and histories.
- Be supportive of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Booking Information:
Further details and the booking form are available on Booking the WLL.
All applications will be reviewed for content and purpose. Requestors will be contacted if additional information is required to clarify alignment with the requirements of booking the WLL.
Protocols for Specific Areas of the Lodge
The Ceremonial Arbour at the Wampum Learning Lodge is a sacred space for teaching and ceremony. All who gather at the Arbour are expected to assemble with good intentions and thoughts.
Please contact the Lodge to use this space and treat it with honour and respect.
- All fires must be authorized by the Lodge and follow protocols.
- Garbage, petroleum products and unauthorized fires are not permitted in the firepit.
Smudging is a spiritual and cultural practice observed by many Indigenous Peoples that involves the burning of one or more traditional medicines, including, but not limited to, tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar. The smoke is used to ceremonially cleanse a room, space, person or group.
While the entire building is smudge-friendly, there is a designated ceremonial area for smudging in the Lodge. This space is intended for students, staff and faculty to engage in wholistic wellbeing according to Indigenous customs and protocols.
Indigenous students, staff and faculty often experience microaggressions and systemic violence within the University and society. This space was created in direct response to requests by Indigenous students to support mental health and wellness.
This space cannot be booked and is intended for Indigenous students, staff and faculty to access for healing and decompression.
General Expectations for All Users
- Respect cultural protocols and instructions provided by Lodge staff.
- No alcohol, drugs or disruptive behaviour.
- Photography and video recording require prior approval. According to cultural protocol, some events will not permit any photography or video recording. Please contact our communications coordinator with questions.
- Seek guidance when unsure about cultural practices or expectations.
- Sign in at the reception desk when arriving at the Lodge.