Author: The Record
Published August 14, 2024

Shawna Chatterton-Jerome, Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support Services and Documentary Producer, Marc-André Laberge, Project Coordinator, Benjamin Tabah, Documentary Producer, Daniel Brière, Documentary Filmmaker. Photo courtesy of Bishop’s University

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Bishop’s University (BU) has reached a significant milestone in the renovation of Kwigw8mna (formerly Divinity House), the Indigenous Students’ Gathering Space and Resource Centre, marking the halfway point in the construction of this project. The transformation of this historic building, located on the university’s campus, is set to offer a welcoming environment for Indigenous students while fostering cultural exchange and understanding among the broader university community.

According to the BU website, the name Kwigw8mna, which translates to “our and everyone’s house” in Abenaki, was bestowed upon the building by Chief Rick O’Bomsawin of Odanak. The building is intended to be a “home away from home” for Indigenous students, providing them with a comfortable and resourceful environment, while also serving as a space for cultural exchange where non-Indigenous members of the university can learn about Indigenous cultures.

Shawna Chatterton-Jerome, Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support Services at BU, provided significant insights during a recent interview about the current state of the project. She explained that the renovation of Kwigw8mna began in December 2023, but the project has faced several challenges due to the building’s age, which dates back to the 1800s.

“We had to remove everything and literally just leave kind of the skeleton of the building,” Chatterton-Jerome said, describing the extensive work required to preserve the historic structure while making it safe for modern use. She noted that some of the brick walls were crumbling and not solid enough to build on, necessitating the introduction of a metal structure to support the building.

These structural challenges have caused delays in the project timeline. “Originally, we were looking at completing the project by October 2024,” Chatterton-Jerome explained. “But because of these structural problems that are out of our hands and kind of develop in the moment, the opening will now align more with the beginning of 2025.” While the exact month remains uncertain, she estimated that the building could be ready by February, with March being the latest possible completion date.

Despite these setbacks, Chatterton-Jerome emphasized the importance of the project and the careful attention being paid to every detail, including the cultural significance of the space. “This building is really going to be something amazing on campus where Indigenous students will be able to call home away from home,” she said.

The BU website states the design of Kwigw8mna reflects a deep commitment to creating a culturally affirming space for Indigenous students. The basement will serve as a quiet study area exclusively for Indigenous students, while half of the main floor will be accessible only to them, providing a safe space for relaxation and community-building.

The renovation project also includes the addition of an apartment on the top floor, which will be dedicated to hosting Indigenous elders, guest speakers, and family members. Chatterton-Jerome highlighted the importance of this feature, stating, “The apartment will offer a safe and comfortable space for our guests to feel at home while being in close company of our Indigenous students and support people.”

Another key aspect of the renovation is the emphasis on supporting Indigenous professionals and artists. Chatterton-Jerome mentioned that the university has made a concerted effort to involve Indigenous talent in the project, including hiring Daniel Brière, a filmmaker from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk Nation, to produce a documentary chronicling the transformation of Kwigw8mna.

“Our goal is to really kind of tell that story,” she said, explaining that the documentary will not only capture the building’s physical transformation but also explore the broader significance of the project. “We’re including interviews with past students, past workers, and others who have been involved in the project from the beginning, to show how this building went from a theology building to something that can now facilitate cultural exchange and support Indigenous students on campus.”

According to the BU website, the project, with an initial estimated total cost of $6.9 million, received $5.9 million in funding from the Government of Quebec. This funding was announced by Jean-François Roberge, Minister of Education and Higher Education, in October 2019. Because of various setbacks, the project will end up costing over $16 million.

In addition to the functional spaces, the building will showcase Indigenous art, further reinforcing the university’s commitment to celebrating Indigenous cultures. The integration of Indigenous artists into the project ensures that the building not only serves its purpose but also resonates with the identities and histories of its Indigenous occupants. “We’re hoping this building will become a focal point where people can get resources if they want to get educated on Indigenous matters,” Chatterton-Jerome said.

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