Ribbon Cutting for Bouchier Indigenous Student Centre. Image supplied by Keyano College
Bouchier Indigenous Student Centre officially opens at Keyano College
FORT McMURRAY, AB — Keyano College has officially opened a new student space honouring Indigenous cultures, traditions and voices from across the Wood Buffalo region.
The Indigenous Student Centre was unveiled on May 22 during a ceremony that drew more than 100 people, including Indigenous leaders, students, dignitaries and members of the Bouchier family, whose foundation helped bring the project to life.
The new centre is located on campus and was shaped by consultation with Elders, First Nations, local Métis communities, Indigenous leaders, students and college staff. Keyano says it is a true reflection of the collective Indigenous narratives that define the region and is a milestone in its journey toward reconciliation.
“The opening of the Bouchier Indigenous Student Centre is not just a milestone for Keyano College; it represents a commitment to enhancing understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures across the community,” said Dr. Sandra Efu, Interim President and CEO of Keyano College.
The design of the space was guided by four themes: equitable representation, honouring First Peoples, creating cultural gathering spaces, and offering educational opportunities tied to Indigenous teachings and experience.
The centre includes a ceremonial area with a smudging space that can be enclosed by canvas, an Elder’s office with natural light, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large communal table for sharing meals and stories. Indigenous art is featured throughout, and the space is outfitted with flexible furniture for both quiet study and community gatherings. A dedicated office for a student support navigator is also included.
Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, CEO of Bouchier, called the space “a living expression of our shared journey toward reconciliation—where education empowers, culture connects, and shared wisdom inspires lasting change.”
Bouchier’s support began with a $10,000 donation to fund consultations and was followed by a $250,000 contribution from the Bouchier Family Foundation. That initial gift helped launch a fundraising campaign that ultimately brought in $565,000 in total toward the project, including donations from both corporate and individual supporters.
Among the speakers at the opening event were Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray–Lac La Biche, Mayor Sandy Bowman, Keyano Board Chair Don Scott, Chief Raymond Powder of Fort McKay First Nation, and leaders from McMurray Métis Local 1935.
The event also featured the unveiling of a new land acknowledgment by the College. It recognizes that Keyano is located on Treaty 8 territory, the traditional and contemporary meeting grounds of the Denesuline, Cree and Métis peoples.
“Our name, Keyano—kiyânaw in Cree—translates to ‘we, us, our,’ and speaks to the connection we have as a community and the commitment to being in right relationship with the First Peoples of these lands,” said Dr. Efu.
The college says the new student centre will serve not only as a hub for Indigenous students, but as a place where all students and staff can come to learn, gather and grow together.
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