A special ceremony will take place during the Jan. 26 meeting of Queen’s Senate, marking the continuing special bond between the university and local Indigenous communities.

Referred to as ‘polishing the chain’, the ceremony is a reminder that the relationship between Queen’s and Indigenous peoples is ongoing and not merely a moment in time.

The ceremony revisits the promise of the friendship wampum (Kahswentha), which was presented to the university as Queen’s marked the 175^th anniversary of its first class during a Senate meeting on March 7, 2017. The friendship wampum was presented to Senate by the Clan Mothers at Tyendinaga, and the Grandmothers' Council.

The belt is now placed at the head table during every Senate meeting as a reminder that the university sits on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory and the commitments made to each other.

The ceremony is available via Zoom from 3:15-4 pm, and those interested can register online.

Principal Patrick Deane will start the ceremony welcoming the guests and will highlight some the more recent Indigenous initiatives at Queens. He will be followed by Nathan Brinklow (Thanyehténhas), who will offer the words before all else. Elder Wendy Phillips (Ah wi do ka zit) will then follow with an honour song.