Native Student Centre

"Honoring culture through student support services"

The Native Student Centre Volunteers have an understanding of Native cultures and of the needs and issues faced by Native people while pursuing their education. Whatever the need, or if you just want a place to find friends on your academic journey. The Native Student Centre will add to your success while attending Mount Royal College and in your future endeavours.

History of the Native Student Centre
The plans for the Native Student Centre (NSC) were approved by Students' Council on February 9, 1998. The NSC opened on November 9, of that same year in the Wyckham House Student Centre. The Native Student Centre was the vision of HUNDREDS of Aboriginal students who recognized the need for support services for the increasing population of Aboriginal students on campus.

The Volunteers
Volunteers support the needs of Native student at MRC. Both Native and non-Native students are encouraged to become Native Student Centre volunteers.

Become a volunteer!

• Volunteering at the NSC is an opportunity to share cultural experiences with other students

• Aspire towards your individual goals

• Become professionally trained in a relaxed and approachable environment with other students.

• Gain important work skills and experience

• Meet new friends and learn about Native issues

Native Student Centre Volunteers are motivated by the need to make a difference for other Native students who may be having the same difficulties they themselves once encountered. Volunteers also have an opportunity to share their cultural experiences with other students, to become professionally trained in a relaxed and approachable environment, to gain important work skills and experience, and to meet new friends with similar interests or backgrounds.

The Native Student Centre’s 10^th Anniversary Round Dance

Once again, it’s that time of year when the Native Student Centre puts on its annual Round Dance. This year, the shaker is a little more special, as the NSC is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Those of you who haven’t yet experienced how much fun this event has been in prior years may be wondering what a Round Dance is all about.

What started out as a ceremonial aspect of Plains Cree and Woods Cree culture has expanded over the years to an all-inclusive social event meant for everyone in the greater community, from all cultural backgrounds.

“Actually, parts of the Round Dance evolved from the Reserve system, when people couldn’t leave the Reserve without a pass. They started having informal gatherings they sometimes called ‘Tea Dances’ where they would sing and dance, battling boredom and bringing the community closer together,” says Native Student Centre Coordinator, Cory Cardinal.

These days, Round Dances are usually held annually to celebrate or recognize a variety of things, from memorials (which are held annually for four years), to celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, to honouring or supporting those in the community who may need it. Whatever the occasion, the purpose is to bring people together in encouragement and understanding, through music and dance.

The music will be recorded and available on CD shortly after the Round Dance, and will include 49ers (party songs), love songs, some Cree songs, and others with no words, which have traditionally been used to encourage participation between cultures where language could otherwise be a barrier.

“The entire community is invited to get involved and join the Native Student Centre in the celebration, and it’s simple to do so. You don’t have to be able to sing, just come ready to have fun,” enthuses Cardinal.

The Round Dance will start at 5:00 p.m. on the main level of Wyckham House and will continue until the last song is sung and final step is danced. For more information, contact Cory Cardinal at 403-440-7795, by e-mail at c.cardinal@samrc.com or drop by the Native Student Centre on the second floor of Wyckham House.