Cultural Spaces | Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science

Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre

Located at 144 Barrie Street.

The Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, or 4D, strives to be a home away from home, a hub of activity, and a key resource for Queen's Indigenous students. Located in a historic home on campus, 4D offers many amenities, such as a lounge with free wifi and cable TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a free laundry service! The Centre offers academic tutoring and advising, cultural programming, an Indigenous focused library, and a range of workshops designed to support students academically, socially, and culturally. 4D has been around since 1996, and at its current location since 2000.

In keeping with the teachings of the Four Directions, 4D supports Indigenous students in balancing their academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. The Centre welcomes and encourages all students to develop an awareness and appreciation of the Indigenous experience in Canada. 4D employs Aboriginal advisors, elders, and an Aboriginal admissions representative.

The Yellow House

Located at 140 Stuart Street.

The Yellow House is a safe space for marginalized students. A space where QTBIPOC students can connect with one another to benefit from the power of community to support, to uplift and stand together. A space to get connected to university resources, with a focus on connecting QTBIPOC students with QTBIPOC service providers. A space where queer and racialized students feel comfortable to access university resources as a community or as individuals that are tailored to their needs. Yellow House helps student clubs and all marginalized students engaging in student-centered anti-oppression work have a valued role within the university.

Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space (Tsi Yakwanastahentéha)

New indigenous space on Queen's University campus.

Located at the South end of Tindall Field

Inspired by Anishinaabe wigwams, this space was designed as a multipurpose outdoor space that can be used to hold Indigenous ceremonies and events, as well as academic courses with a focus on Indigenous content and culture. The outdoor structure features a roof with open sides and circle seating with the capacity to hold up to 30 people and is wheelchair accessible. Requests to use the space should be submitted by email to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (indigenous.initiatives@queensu.ca).

Black Liberation Commons

Located in Robert Sutherland Hall, Rooms 301 A,B & C

The Black Liberation Commons, designed for Black students "is a place of activity, promise, study, debate, conversation, joy, party, and heartbreak,” says Faculty of Arts and Science Professor Katherine McKittrick, Canada Research Chair in Black Studies and Gender Studies. The three rooms in the Commons are named after: Claudia Jones, activist; noname, rapper, poet, and activist; and nourbeSe philip, poet, novelist, and playwright.

ASUS Reflection Room

Located in Kingston Hall, Room 213.

The ASUS Reflection Room in Kingston Hall was gifted to the Arts Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) by Queen’s Alumni. In 2016, the room underwent a revitalization project and was renamed the Reflection Room, to acknowledge the historical and continuing impacts of colonization in Canada and its implications on the Indigenous staff, students, and community at Queen’s. The Arts Science Undergraduate Society and the Faculty of Arts Science acknowledge that Queen’s University is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territories.

Kanonhweratónhtshera | G’di-mikwanim

Located in Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room E202.

This is a newly designed communal gathering space and Indigenous classroom on campus. It is a multipurpose space that can be used to hold Indigenous ceremonies and events, as well as, academic courses with a focus on Indigenous content and culture.

This space can be booked by community for events and ceremony from 5:30 - 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and on weekends.

Contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives to book this space.

Mshkiki Gitigan | Ononhkwa Nikahehto:ten | Sacred Medicine Garden

Located behind Duncan McArthur Hall.

Created in 2015, this garden is home to a number of traditional plants and Medicines. Consult with the ITEP office if you are interested in harvesting any of the plants prior to doing so.

ITEP Lounge

Located in Duncan McArthur Hall, Room A246.

The Indigenous Teacher's Education Program (ITEP) Lounge provides a vast library of resources available to students, staff and faculty. The lounge is periodically used for classes and workshops. Smudging can be done in this space and Medicines are available.

Fireplace Room

Located in the Queen's Centre, Second Floor.

The fireside lounge is a designated Indigenous space open to all students and available for regular use. The room features comfortable seating, a fireplace, Indigenous art and a large dream catcher that hangs above the fireplace.