Iniskim Centre

Oki, Aba Wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi

Welcome to the Iniskim CentreThe Iniskim Centre offers programs and services to increase the engagement and success of Indigenous students while also raising awareness of Indigenous peoples and cultures.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (real people) and the people of Treaty 7, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai; and the Tsuut'ina, and the Îyârhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Mohkinstsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

We recognize and respect the diversity of all Indigenous Peoples of Canada. We also increase awareness of distinct Indigenous cultures, history and protocols across the University.

With any program you choose, the Iniskim Centre helps you prepare to succeed in your academic pursuits and future career.

Our dedicated staff encourages you throughout your program of study, providing resources such as academic and cultural support, academic advising, writing support and scholarship information.

 

Programs

Indigenous University Bridging Program
The program offers three levels of study designed for students requiring advanced upgrading with a concentration in Math and English.

Indigenous Housing Program
Join a supportive community of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students while you live on campus. There are individual and family units at affordable rates. All students in the program gather for monthly social events.

Medicine Trail Program

Naato'ohsokoy

This program provides cultural support to Mount Royal students and employees. There are spaces and resources to smudge every morning in the Centre, which also hosts ceremonies throughout the year. Take part in group cultural teachings or spend time with our coordinator, who is here to support and guide you. The coordinator can also connect your professors with wisdom keepers and elders.

Student Success Program
The student success coordinator mentors students to help them achieve their goals. Resources — academic support, peer mentorship, counselling services, financial information, instructor office hours, workshops, tutorials and more — are available to you.

Naming of the Iniskim Centre

The word Iniskim means Buffalo Calling Stone and the stone holds special meaning to the Niitsitapi (Nit-sit-a-pee) (Blackfoot).

It is told that long ago, when food was scarce for the people of the plains, the inii (inn-knee) (buffalo) showed compassion for the people and sent a message through Weasel Woman. As she collected water from the nearby river camp, she heard a stone calling to her from the bushes. The stone told her to perform a ceremony to call the buffalo towards the pisskan (biss-gaan) (buffalo jump). Weasel Women took the Iniskim back to her camp and told the spiritual leaders about the ceremony. The people gathered and performed the ceremony, and soon they began to have successful hunts. The buffalo provided enough food, better shelter and tools, and soon, the people began to thrive. 

Today, we refer to education as the new inii, and we are calling out to students to attend university for the opportunity to provide better lives for their communities, families and themselves.

Bring your whole self to UniversityYour Mount Royal University experience will be as original as you are. With unique programs for Indigenous students, cultural experiences and an education that opens up a world of opportunities, you belong here.

Indigenization and decolonization at Mount Royal are important for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students across campus. The five goals of Mount Royal's Indigenous Strategic Plan indicate the numerous steps we are taking to foster a respectful and inclusive learning environment and to establish and sustain support services and resources for current and prospective Indigenous students.