Writing Symbols Lodge
The University of Calgary welcomes, respects, and supports the rich diversity of Indigenous learners, their communities, cultural traditions, and aspirations in post-secondary education.
About us
We provide a culturally appropriate environment that encourages and supports the success of Indigenous students in their pursuit of knowledge and higher education.
Writing Symbols Lodge provides academic, personal, and cultural support services and programs to prospective and current First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, and offers a welcoming and supportive learning environment for the whole campus community.
New and announcements
Class of 2022: Family and friends gather to honour Indigenous graduates
Writing Symbols Lodge holds annual celebration on campus
Five things to do at the UCalgary Writing Symbols Lodge
The Writing Symbols Lodge (WSL) helps Indigenous students succeed by providing a variety of services, facilities, and events. Think of them as your one-stop-centre for all your academic, personal, and cultural support services.
ii’ taa’poh’to’p, Indigenous Strategy, now accepting proposal submissions for Intercultural Capacity Building Grants for 2022-2023
Application deadline is June 1, 2022
Advocate for Indigenous healing noticed something was missing: a personal connection
UCalgary alum in Manitoba believes strongly that western systems need to change to accommodate Indigenous counselling practices. And she’s doing something about it
The original Writing Symbols Lodge logo, designed by Mary Bohn and April Boyd.
Our history
Writing Symbols Lodge (formerly The Native Centre) has existed since 1972 and was established as a student services unit in 1988.
The logo associated with the Native Centre and the First Nations Student Association (now the Indigenous Students' Council) was designed by former students, Mary Bohn and April Boyd, and gifted to the Native Centre. The logo design incorporates several important cultural symbols.
The seven circles at the top of the logo signify the seven stars of the Big Dipper which, in Indigenous mythology, represent the seven brothers. The stripes symbolize the Aurora Borealis (the northern lights). The bird is a stylistic perception of the eagle, a symbol of aspiration. The mountains are symbolic of the ranges embroidering the prairies, where Indigenous cultures thrived for many moons. The tipis symbolize our home and our land where the lords of the plains, the buffalo, graced life. The four directions of the earth are represented by the axis. The eagle feathers represent the seasons and phases of the moon. The circles in the tipis are the dusty stars, the birth of our spiritual heritage. The earth symbolizes us, reaching to our potential in the Canadian Mosaic.