At 60, UCalgary looks ahead in its evolving commitment to Indigenous spaces

From gathering spaces and student supports to places for ceremony and reflection, Indigenous spaces at the University of Calgary help create community and belonging. As the university celebrates its 60th anniversary, these spaces highlight its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, cultural learning and Indigenous engagement.

What began with the Red Lodge Student Lounge in 1972 has grown into a network of spaces across campus. These efforts culminated in the 2017 launch of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary Indigenous Strategy.

The Red Lodge Student Lounge first began as a student gathering place on the 11th floor of the Education Tower in 1972, later becoming part of the newly formed The Native Centre in 1988, which later relocated to MacEwan Student Centre, with the Red Lodge inside continuing as a student gathering place.

In 2019, the Centre was renamed Writing Symbols Lodge (WSL). The name was gifted in a naming ceremony in 2019 by Traditional Knowledge Keepers from Treaty 7 Territory and elsewhere.

Located on the third floor of MacEwan Hall, WSL continues to play an important role in supporting Indigenous students, providing a welcoming space that recognizes and honours the distinct cultures, traditions and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

WSL is also home to Indigenous artwork curated by Mel Benson, a passionate advocate for Indigenous inclusion in business spaces whose legacy continues to resonate following his passing in 2021.

Between 2025 and 2026, more than 3,000 people attended WSL programming. 

For many students, the space is “a home away from home,” says Vaughan McMillan, Indigenous student success and retention specialist at WSL.

“Post-secondaries are becoming more inclusive spaces for all people, whether it's Indigenous or international or other marginalized communities."  

Growing a community and sense of belonging

WSL supports students by helping them navigate campus services, offering Indigenous-focused programming, cultural events and day-to-day supports such as a community snack program. Together, these supports help students find community while accessing cultural and academic resources.

A holistic and relational approach is foundational to supporting Indigenous students. Tiya Dagumisasriy, the Indigenous Student Success and Engagement Program offered through the WSL, takes a holistic approach to academic success, empowerment and self-development by providing students with academic and cultural guidance. 

“We do take a holistic approach to helping our students,” says McMillan. “Through spiritual, mental, emotional and physical ways of being, which is a unique way to look at things when providing student support.”

A place where students feel understood

WSL is currently staffed by Indigenous employees that provide cultural understanding and lived experience are important in creating a welcoming environment and supporting the diverse needs of students. 

“The feedback from students is they appreciate the staff that understand their cultural backgrounds and, when they're facing barriers, we can help them,” says WSL manager Karen MacDonald, MBA’22.

While these supports play a critical role in student success, staff say barriers remain for some Indigenous students navigating the university environment.

"UCalgary is committed to reducing barriers for Indigenous students and creating a campus where all students feel welcomed, supported and able to thrive. " says MacDonald.

An ongoing commitment to Indigenous spaces on campus

The launch of ii’ taa’poh’to’p in 2017 firmly established UCalgary’s commitment to supporting Indigenous learning, community and culture.

Since then, several Indigenous gathering spaces have been established across campus, including: 

• Kiipitakyoyis (Grandmother's Lodge) in the Faculty of Social Work, which was gifted its named by Siksika Elder Clarence Wolfleg in 2022;
•  Aapiiniioyis (White Buffalo Lodge) in the Werklund School of Education, which received its name from Kainai Elder and retired educator Ninna Piiksii (Dr. Mike Bruised Head) in 2023;
• The Beaver and Muskrat lodges in the Schulich School of Engineering, named by the ii’ taa’poh’to’pElders’ Advisory Council in 2024.

UCalgary has also opened several outdoor spaces that support learning, reflection and community connection, including a student outdoor study space, an Indigenous ceremonial fire site and the placement of two boulders on Spy Hill Campus signifying the site’s cultural and historical significance.

Supporting Indigenous students for the next 60 years

MacDonald and McMillan hope to reimagine the space for future generations of students and expand support services to better meet students' evolving needs.

WSL has outgrown its current space. While staff have adapted to its limitations, they would welcome a dedicated space designed to better support their work and the students they serve. 

"We have more Indigenous students being admitted every year but unfortunately we have outgrown our current space," says McMillan. "I would love to see more people working in our centre." 

Adds MacDonald: "A blue-sky dream is that we have our own building. If, for the next 60 years, we could see for this next generation of students, dedicated space for Indigenous students, that would be very meaningful."

As UCalgary marks its 60th anniversary, Indigenous spaces such as WSL illustrate how the university's commitment to Indigenous students continues to evolve, creating places where future generations can find support, community and a sense of belonging.