Located in the A.E Mackenzie Building just beside the library and Evan’s Theatre, the IPC is a place that many can call a home away from home. In the IPC people are welcome to relax, use the computer station or talk to the friendly company! They host all sorts of events and weekly activities for students.
During this past month the IPC has held weekly soup servings, Thursdays at 11:30 a.m, Writing skills walkins and Beading Club on Tuesday’s at 5:30 p.m. For the events going on day to day you can always check out the Brandon University website or walk by the Centre and see their sign with a list of activities and timings.
This coming week the IPC has a few plans in place to finish off the month of September. An event which is taking place on Tuesday, Bannock & Tea with Elders will last from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Earlier that day there will be soup served for lunch and two different sessions of beading club.
In recent weeks the IPC hosted Medicine Picking, where people got to go out to Riding Mountain to participate in the picking of natural herbs and plants. Ceremonial teachings were made available back on September 11th when Knowledge Keeper, Barb Blind, offered her voice to those who would listen in the Health Studies Building.
Another cool and interesting event that took place was the Metis Sash making Demonstration just in the hallway outside the IPC. Mary Conway is a member of the community who has a vested commitment in keeping the sash making skills alive. She says her main reason for going through the process of making the sashes is to support the culture of her grandchildren who are Metis. Mary uses a long and complex spool to intricately weave the sash together. Each colour has a meaning and symbolizes different aspects of the world and our lives. Truly a fascinating idea and even though it may seem time consuming, supporting the culture of our Indigenous peoples are always welcomed gifts when done with love and open-mindedness.
A big event which everyone should participate in is Orange Shirt Day, where people will be wearing orange shirts in recognition of the harm that residential school’s had on children and ultimately still affect us today. There is a list of events coming up and although Orange Shirt Day is on Sunday September 30th BU will honour the event on Friday September 28th. For more information check out the Brandon University website or walk on by the IPC and ask some questions!