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On Friday, Aug. 30, the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre will be hosting its 10^th annual Welcome Day celebration.

The day-long event, held at Robert Sutherland Hall, gives first-year Indigenous students, their families, and guests the chance to meet Indigenous student staff, connect with other Indigenous students, and move in to residence.

“It’s important that Indigenous students feel welcome and supported during their transition to Queen’s,” says Kandice Baptiste, Director of Four Directions. “Welcome Day is an invaluable opportunity to learn about student resources, meet new people, and establish a sense of community before move-in day and the start of orientation week.”

Throughout the day, attendees will listen to presentations from various student services, participate in a campus-wide scavenger hunt, enjoy meals together, and move in to residence with the help of volunteers. Students can also request to have their room smudged prior to arrival.

“Welcome Day allowed me to meet so many new people who helped me immensely throughout my first year,” says Jacob Calderone (Sc’22). “I got to hear from previous first-year Indigenous students and talk to them about their experiences at Queen’s. I highly encourage any and all to participate in a great kickoff to the school year.”

Staff and faculty at Queen’s can get involved with Four Directions this academic year by participating in their Guest Chef program.

The program offers any department, unit, team, faculty, or staff member the opportunity to prepare a meal for a Three Sisters Feast Night, and connect with the community at Four Directions.

For more information about the Guest Chef program and to select a week to volunteer, please contact Allison Loft.

To learn more about Welcome Day, visit the Four Directions website.

Note: This article originally appeared in the Queen's Gazette.