Gathering places
NIC’s gathering places, ʔUucinʔMaʔus in Port Alberni, Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas in Campbell River and qatᶿɛnxʷɛgəs in the Comox Valley, are sacred spaces created with guidance from local First Nations to honour culture, connection and community. These spaces support NIC’s Indigenization goals and offer respectful places for learning, ceremony and coming together.
Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas
Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas (pronounced kah-pee-ih-dah-us) translates as “gathering place” in Lik̓ʷala. Designed in consultation with students and the Wei Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations, Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas serves as a culturally relevant space for connection and celebration at the heart of NIC’s Campbell River campus, situated within the territory of the Liqwiltokw People.
Using this space
Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas is a sacred space and its use should align with the goals of NIC’s Indigenization plan, Working Together.
Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas is currently available for booking requests by NIC staff and students via Service Desk.
Details on community bookings are being finalized — stay tuned to this page for updates.
qatᶿɛnxʷɛgəs
qatᶿɛnxʷɛgəs (pronounced caught-then-hway-gus) translates as “place to gather, together” in ʔayʔaǰuθəm. The space is located within tul’al’txw at NIC’s Comox Valley campus, on K’ómoks First Nations territory. The name was gifted with guidance from the K’ómoks Connections Committee and represents a commitment to reconciliation and cultural respect.
Using this space
qatᶿɛnxʷɛgəs is a sacred space and its use should align with the goals of NIC’s Indigenization plan, Working Together.
qatᶿɛnxʷɛgəs is currently available for booking requests by NIC staff and students via Service Desk or for external community bookings through gatheringplaces@nic.bc.ca.
Important: Please review the Gathering Place Protocols documents prior to requesting the space.