Carleton University has renamed the University Centre, Robertson Hall and Residence Commons.
The decision was announced Wednesday after it was approved by the Board of Governors in a meeting Dec. 6.
The former University Centre is now named Nideyinàn, which is pronounced “nih-day-in-nahn” and translates to “our heart,” according to an announcement by the university. The university said it consulted with the Algonquin Advisory Council and Algonquin communities Kitigan Zibi and Pikwakanagan before making the decision.
Formerly Robertson Hall, the university’s administrative building is now named Pigiarvik (ᐱᒋᐊᕐᕕᒃ), which is pronounced “pee-ghee-awe-vik,” following consultation with the Inuit Advisory Council. The name translates to “a place to begin” or “the starting place,” in Inuktitut, according to the university.
The university’s Residence Commons is now named Teraanga Commons, which is pronounced “tare-ang-gah.” The university said it consulted African, Caribbean and Black communities in the renaming process. The name comes from the Senegalese Wolof language and emphasizes “generosity of spirit and sharing of material possessions,” the announcement read.
Following approval by the Board of Governors, @CU_President and @CU_Provost are introducing new names for three of our main campus buildings: Nideyinàn, Pigiarvik and Teraanga Commons. Read more: https://t.co/o1lnNAdlTG pic.twitter.com/27Xz35U8Gw
— Carleton University (@Carleton_U) December 7, 2022
The decision comes nearly two years after the university announced its plan to rename the three buildings. In June 2020, students started a petition demanding the university rename Robertson Hall due to its namesake’s key role in the High Arctic Relocation campaign.
The university said the changes are in line with its Kinàmàgawin report, released May 2020.
The names will be formally unveiled at a launch event in the new year.
This article was last updated Jan. 27.
Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi.
