Wlo’ti Collaborative

Creating Space on Campus for Indigenous Students

 In 2019, a team of Indigenous researchers, students and community members led by Dr. Debbie Martin as part of her Tier 2 Canada Research Chair appointment applied for funding from The Canadian Foundation for Innovation to support the creation of a space on campus for Indigenous students, faculty, and staff to conduct Indigenous health research in a good way. The committee wanted the space to be warm and welcoming, and reflect the many Nations that call Wabanaki-Labrador region home. The project was to create a space to do the business of Indigenous health research, and for people to gather. It had to be a place where the seeds of relationship could be planted and an environment in which those relationships could grow. A place where ceremony would be held, and food could be shared.

Also, the name of this new space had to be reflective of the intentions that went into its planning and creation. Early in the design process, the team engaged with the Wabanaki-Labrador Indigenous Health Research Network’s (WLN) Indigenous Governing Circle Elder, Elder Albert Marshall asking his help in finding a name. After much thought and many conversations, Elder Albert offered the word Wlo’ti which means ‘health in all aspects’ in the Mi’kmaq language. Officially, the name on our door reads: WLO’TI Collaborative - Enriching Wellness Through Diverse Perspectives.

WLO’TI Reception Area

You will find the Wlo’ti Collaborative in Mi’kmaq territory, on Dalhousie’s Carleton Campus on the fifth floor of 5793 University Avenue. While the Wlo’ti Collaborative is not a direct result of CIHR’s Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) program, the Wabanaki-Labrador Indigenous Health Research Network (WLN) staff work from this space daily. We make ourselves available to receive guests whether they are attending a planned event or happen to drop in spontaneously to see what the space has to offer students, faculty, and staff.

When you visit the Wlo’ti Collaborative you will be met with our Kwetaluktatimk (Reception) area which features a poem shared by Athanasius Sillyboy written on the wall. He wrote this poem while attending The WLN’s first Co-Learning Summit, in 2019. Held at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax, this gathering informed the CIHR application that funded the first five years of the WLN.

We hope our space welcomes you, makes you feel safe, and inspires big ideas.

There are a number of work spaces in the Wlo’ti Collaborative, including the following: 

Kisiku’ku (Elders Room)

Kisiku’ku is a quiet space outfitted with comfortable seating where students can request privacy to connect with an Elder, have a private meeting or come to relax between classes.

Ta’n etl mawo’-tasik kinua’taqney (Data Collection Room)

Ta’n etl mawo’-tasik kinua’taqney is where interviews, podcasts, narratives, Oral histories etc. can be recorded. The room is outfitted with noise dampening panels, 2 studio grade Podcasting microphones, and a USB recording audio interface that can be used with any computer.

Ekina’masultite’-wkw ta’n etl mawita’jik (Student Space)

Ekina’masultite’-wkw ta’n etl mawita’jik (Student Space) CHEB 550G offers students a quiet place to work and study. The room also offers state of the art video conferencing equipment for activities such as virtual meetings, film viewing, or attending webinars.

This room can accommodate up to six students around the table comfortably. 

Pekitne’matim-kewo’kuom (Smudge Room)

Pekitne’matim-kewo’kuom (Smudge Room) CHEB 550F is our large meeting room. Equipped with video conferencing equipment and an air filtration system that can be used whenever people want to smudge, this room can be booked to host Indigenous research, committee, or advisory meetings or more informal gatherings. This room can also be used for crafting, sharing meals, and socializing in addition to holding more formal committee meetings, and workshops. Whether someone needs a quiet space to work or study from; perform data collection; talk in private with an Elder, or even host crafting sessions, or games nights, we can accommodate. We are happy to report that, as the word spreads, more and more visitors are popping by.

This room can accommodate up to 15 people around the table comfortably. 

Chatting with Elder Albert at the Wlo’ti Collaborative official opening, October 2023.

WLN Staff Christmas Party (2024)

Acadia University’s Co-Learning Lodge (2023)

WLN Staff stretching & mounting seal skin. Donated by Megan Bailey (2024)

Expectations of Guests

of Wlo’ti Collaborative

The WLO’TI Collaborative is pleased to share our space with you. Much thought, care, and intention has gone into creating a collaborative space where Indigenous students, staff, faculty, community members and our allies feel welcome, comfortable, and safe to meet. Please make yourself at home and remember, we all share this space, so let’s keep the energy respectful and enjoy the time shared with others.

By reserving a room at this space, you agree to:

  • Be kind and respectful of others.

  • Be mindful of the WLN Guiding Principles.

  • Book what you need and pay for any catering and equipment-related expenses.

  • Ensure that the key or fob (to access the elevator and/or WLO’TI Collaborative) is kept safe and not shared with anyone.

  • Ensure the main door is locked when you leave if staff are not present.

  • Be respectful of the staff and their workspaces by ensuring the door to your meeting room is closed when appropriate to minimize noise distractions.

  • Smudge only in Pekitne’matim-kewo’kuom (Smudge Room 550F) and only when you turn on the fan and close the door. You may use the smudge bowl and lighters that are in the room if you did not bring your own.

  • Understand that the kitchen is for communal use. You may use the dishes, coffee and tea pot, and store items in the refrigerator for the duration of the meeting.

  • Ensure any food waste is placed in the green bin provided in the hallway outside.

  • Keep our shared spaces clean. Please do your dishes, wipe down tables, turn off all lights, and remember to take everything with you when you leave.

If you would like to see our space, or book a meeting room, please reach out to us at WLN@dal.ca and we will reserve your spot!

Want to make a room reservation? to reserve a meeting room, contact us at wln@dal.ca with your name, date, time and room that you would like to book with the purpose of your meeting or gathering.