St. Lawrence College to Host Condolence Ceremonies

Brockville/Cornwall/Kingston – As part of its ongoing commitment to honouring Indigenous Ways and reconciliation, St. Lawrence College (SLC) will hold condolence ceremonies on its three campuses in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall on the following dates: Cornwall, October 1; Brockville October 2; and Kingston on October 8, 2024.

Wiping the Tears: From the Shadows to Reconciliation Condolence Ceremony is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Haudenosaunee people, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. This alliance of six Indigenous nations, spanning regions of Ontario, Quebec, and New York, follows the Great Law of Peace, established by the revered figures Hiawatha and the Peacemaker. SLC acknowledges and gives thanks that three of the college’s campuses are on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples.

At SLC, we have created space for conversations about truth and reconciliation, recognizing that healing is essential for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. While Indigenous peoples have long been doing the healing work, it is now the responsibility of our non-Indigenous relatives to engage in their own “heart” work, by confronting the shame, guilt, and fear that can come with understanding their role in our shared history, according to Shannon Hall, Education Developer/Curriculum Consultant, Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being.

“The Haudenosaunee condolence ceremony—is an ancient tradition of mourning and healing, used to restore the minds of the people after a community leader has died—the ceremony offers the opportunity to restore balance, to take us from a state of confusion to a place of peace so we can move forward socially and politically. The sharing of this ceremony offers a vital opportunity for non-Indigenous educators to step forward and actively engage in this shared journey of healing,” Hall said. “In education, this responsibility is critical, as teaching and learning in Indigenous contexts must confront the deep impacts of colonization, trauma, and cultural loss. Non-Indigenous people must take ownership of their role in this process to truly reconcile our histories and build new, shared truths. By walking side by side, we cultivate collective responsibility and healing, ensuring that our educational spaces and beyond become powerful catalysts for reconciliation and a promising future for the next seven generations.”

SLC’s reconciliation journey recently included the Kairos blanket exercise for employees and students, creating Downie Wenjack Legacy spaces on each campus, and more. During the condolence ceremonies, students and employees will share their reflections of truth, grief, and/or their hope for reconciliation and place them in the baskets on campus. At the ceremony, these reflections will be burned in a ceremonial fire, representing SLC’s collective grief for its shared history, and its commitment to reconciliation. The baskets will remain on each campus afterward to remind everyone of this important milestone in our communities’ healing.

Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO, says, “As Canadians continue to learn and acknowledge the often-overlooked history of Indigenous peoples, many grapple with emotions of grief, anger, and sadness. The condolence ceremony offers a pathway to address these emotions, providing a space for the SLC community to clear our collective grief and embark on a journey toward true reconciliation. This is one dimension of our ongoing work to recognize and incorporate Indigenous Ways into our college, and I am grateful for the collaboration and connection that has occurred to bring the ceremonies to SLC.”

Speaker Information:

Kahentetha-Iakothahonni, Angela Elijah

Elder on the Brockville and Cornwall campuses and a respected member of the Mohawk Nation, Angela has dedicated decades to teaching and revitalizing Mohawk culture, particularly the language as a vital expression of identity. As a community helper, activist, and carrier of ancestral knowledge, she serves as a Keeper of the Wampum and Carrier of Names, safeguarding and transmitting teachings passed down through generations. Angela’s presence embodies the power of ancestral wisdom, promoting messages of peace and hope for future generations.

Kanatohare-Rothahonni, Mike McDonald

Mike McDonald of the Wolf Clan is a cultural educator dedicated to the well-being of his family, clan, and community. An educator and activist, he works to build capacity for the Mohawk people, fostering spaces for healing and cultural restoration. Active in ceremonies and a dedicated researcher of his culture, Mike is committed to preserving and sharing ancestral teachings. His efforts ensure Indigenous traditions continue to thrive, embodying the resilience and strength of Mohawk heritage for future generations.

Ka’nahsohon, Kevin Deer

Kevin Deer is from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory and has been dedicated to Mohawk Language retention for over 30 years. As a Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse, he preserves sacred songs, dances, and rituals. He speaks on Iroquoian worldviews, history, and philosophy. Deer played a peacekeeping role during the 1990 Oka Crisis and participated in ceremonies, including one in Tyendineaga, Ontario, calling for the return of the Peacemaker. He contributed to the establishment of Kanatsiohareke, New York, in 1994, and has participated in significant ceremonies such as the Bretton Woods IV convocation in 2015 and Standing Rock in 2016.

Cornwall: October 1
Location: Between Aultsville Hall and the River Institute along the river

Brockville: October 2
Location: to the left of the main driveway entrance off Parkedale Ave.

Kingston: October 8
Location: beside the Tipi at the back of the college (enter off Country Club Drive)

Click here for more information about SLC’s Condolence Ceremonies.