The university is honouring Kanonhsyonne (Janice Hill), Ed’99, by naming the Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space in recognition of her enduring contributions to Indigenous education, Indigenization and reconciliation at Queen’s and within the broader community. A celebratory ceremony will take place in spring 2025. 

The gathering space will be known as “Tsi Yakwanastahentéha – the place where we extend the rafters.” The name is taken from the Haudenosaunee tradition of building good relations and refers to the practice of extending the rafters of the Longhouse to create room for newcomers, allowing the community to thrive. It is also a metaphor embraced by the Queen’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Task Force (QTRCTF), on which Kanonhsyonne served, and it is the title of its final report: Yakwanastahentéha | Aankenjigemi | Extending the Rafters.

“Kanonhsyonne’s many significant contributions to the Queen’s community have helped advance Indigenization and reconciliation on campus, fostered connection, and integrated Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the fabric of Queen’s life,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “Naming the gathering space in Kanonhsyonne’s honour is a fitting acknowledgement for the tremendous impact she continues to have on campus and in the Queen’s community.” 

Kanonhsyonne, who retired in March 2024 as the Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation), has been a dedicated member of the Queen’s community for nearly 30 years. 

She played a critical role in establishing the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) and served as the program’s academic co-director from 1997 to 1998. A former director of the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre at Queen’s, she also envisioned and was instrumental in the creation of the gathering space. 

“Kanonhsyonne is a visionary Haudenosaunee leader, who worked with kahnikonriyo (a good mind) to clear the path for all of us who came after her,” reflects Kandice Baptiste, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Senior Director, Student Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and former Director of the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre. “It is our honour to celebrate her contributions to Indigenous education, and Queen’s, through this naming. Now all of us coming to the space will be able to feel a part of the legacy that she created. One that ensures Indigenous voices, places, and knowledges take our rightful place on campus, and that all people understand their roles and responsibilities to each other, the land, and the future.” 

The outdoor gathering space is an important part of the campus learning environment as it ties back to the original teacher: the land. It provides the campus community a place to make connections, feel grounded, and learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing and being. The development of the space was generously supported by Bader Philanthropies Inc.. 

“Kanonhsyonne's leadership within the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at Queen's University has been transformative,” says Daniel Bader, LLD’21, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bader Philanthropies Inc. “Her dedication to embedding Indigenous perspectives into the fabric of the university has greatly enriched the learning environment and fostered a more inclusive and equitable community. This honour celebrates her profound impact but will also inspire future generations at Queen's. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the university and extend far beyond campus borders.”

This story originally appeared on the Queen's Alumni website.