Aboriginal centre opens at Bow Valley College

A new aboriginal centre at Bow Valley College is aiming to reconnect students with traditional teachings and celebrate with a broader community.

The Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre will provide programs and services targeted at helping aboriginal students succeed at school. The name which means "buffalo lodge" is meant to symbolize the way the buffalo provided the Blackfoot People with everything needed to survive.

"This is the new buffalo," said Shawn Atleo, national chief for the Assembly of First Nations during a speech highlighting the importance of aboriginal education. "This is the new way."

The new centre is decorated with the symbols and artifacts of southern Alberta's aboriginal peoples, such as the horse, the wolf and the deer.

It's designed to include influences of the teepeeand lodge, and will play host to cultural ceremonies throughout the year.

The new centre also includes a ventilation system to air out any smoke used in ceremonies.