Hydro One Supports Confederation College’s Indigenization of Campus Spaces

Confederation College has received a $20,000 investment from Hydro One to support its initiative to Indigenize campus spaces, with a focus on enhancing the College’s newly updated smudging room.

The funding will help Confederation College further its commitment to creating culturally inclusive and welcoming environments for Indigenous students, employees, and community members. Improvements to the smudging room and other designated spaces will incorporate Indigenous languages, symbols, art, and design elements that reflect and honour Indigenous identities and traditions.

“The Indigenization of our campus spaces is about more than fixing up a space; it’s about recognition, respect, and reconciliation,” said Wendy Landry, Vice-President, Indigenous Leadership, Partnerships and Strategies at Confederation College. “This investment from Hydro One supports our efforts to create environments where Indigenous students, employees, and members of the community feel seen, valued, and supported, and where non-Indigenous visitors to the college can gain some understanding of our rich Anishinaabe culture. We are grateful for this partnership, which helps us to bring our vision to life.”

“Through our work on the Waasigan Transmission Line, we have formed lasting and meaningful partnerships to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities in the north. At Hydro One, we continue to invest in opportunities to grow Indigenous participation in our workforce. Confederation College plays a critical role in building a pipeline of Indigenous talent and support for this initiative will provide students with a safe and welcoming environment to celebrate and learn for generations to come,” said Matthew Jackson, Vice President, Indigenous Partnerships and Business Development, Hydro One. “The province is facing historic growth in electricity demand in the next 25 years. Each new transmission line we build is an opportunity to work together, partner with First Nations and buy goods and services from Canadian and Ontario-based Indigenous businesses to build a more secure and prosperous province."

Confederation College’s commitment to reconciliation also includes its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, launched in spring 2025, and more recent initiatives such as the permanent installation of the Fort William First Nation flag on campus in September, symbolizing respect, partnership, and a shared history, present and future.

The College plans to formally recognize Hydro One’s support with signage at the entrance to the Smudging Room.

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Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967, providing transformative education across a vast 550,000 square kilometre region. Our main campus in Thunder Bay, together with seven regional sites in Dryden, Longlac, Kenora, Marathon, Fort Frances, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout, and an expanding Distance Education division, open pathways to personal advancement and professional achievement for over 7,000 full- and part-time students each year. With 600+ staff, we drive personal and community growth, contributing significantly to the local economy with a $707.3 million annual impact. At Confederation College, we champion the spirit of courage, advocating for actions and decisions that empower our community; we uphold the principle of equity, ensuring fair access and opportunity for all to realize their potential; and we value and cultivate relationships that foster collaboration and understanding among students, staff, and the communities we serve.  

For more information, please contact: 

• Scott Hobbs, Coordinator, Media and Storytelling
  Email: [email protected]
  Tel: 807-475-6295 | Cell: 807-621-5265