Something for everyone at Heritage College Winter Carnival

Grace Richards

On Wednesday, January 24, Heritage College held its annual Winter Carnival. One of the main events featured was the Hide Tanning Workshop, facilitated by Tammy Cote.

The Winter Carnival is part of the CEGEP’s larger Social and Cultural Activities planned to enrich the educational experience of Heritage Students. The Carnival offered students a variety of activities, warm treats and winter activities, including the Hide Tanning workshop with Tammy Cote.

Tammy Cote is Algonquin Anishinabeg from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe, and she works as a project coordinator for the Pathway to Strengthening the Algonquin Anishinabeg Workforce, an initiative started by the Indigenous-owned construction and environmental contracting company Decontie Milestone Inc. Cote has years of experience as a Policy Analyst and working with Indigenous non-profits.

Cote is from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe First Nation and was taught how to tan hides through her community. Cote ran a workshop that offered students the opportunity to learn about sustainable environmental practices and respecting the land and its animals through tanning hides.

The Moose Hide Campaign also had an exhibit at the Winter Carnival this year. The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous led movement focused on men and boys who are committed to allyship and the protection of women and children from violence. The inclusion of the campaign and the sharing of Indigenous Ways of Knowing highlights the CEGEP’s growing commitment to upholding Indigenous voices and fostering intercultural dialogue.

In September, the school held an Indigenous Culture Week, which gave a platform to many Indigenous community members to share their knowledge with the students and provide opportunities for the community to reflect on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation and how individuals can commit to reconciliation through learning.

As members of the broader community continue striving for Truth and Reconciliation, the opportunity to learn Indigenous ways of knowing from Indigenous voices in the community provides students with invaluable insight into the importance of continuing intercultural dialogue.

Photo captions: 1. Moose Hide Campaign information shared at the Heritage College Winter Carnival, a growing campaign across the country. 2. Hide Tanning workshop with Tammy Cote at the Heritage College Winter Carnival January 24.

Photo credit: Lily Ryan