Can Bishop’s save Divinity House with Aboriginal resource centre?
Bishop's University wants to renovate its iconic Divinity House to develop a space for Aboriginal students. Divinity House, built in 1891, has been closed since 2014 due to major structural problems.
The project, valued at several million dollars, is still in its infancy and is the latest attempt to salvage the iconic building, which served as a residence for students in the Faculty of Divinity, and later included an oratory and more re¬cently classrooms for students, offices for faculty, and academic support services, such as the Writing Centre.
In 2017, a task force concluded that it would cost between $6 and $7 million to renovate the building. An evaluation by the Quebec government suggested that Bishop’s already has too many buildings on the campus to warrant the renovations. If the university does not find the required funds from external funding, it could be demolished. A decision is expected after a final report is submitted in May.
Indigenous students have been asking for a space since 2012 where they can share and participate in activities. Upon arrival at university, Indigenous students are often leaving their communities for the first time.
Similar initiatives have been taken at several other universities and take different forms, from simple premises to complete buildings. There is a "First People's House" at Mcgill dedicated to Aboriginal students.
Divinity House is located at the entrance to Bishop's Campus, on Route 108, near St Mark's Chapel and Mcgreer Hall. It was closed for safety reasons.
There is currently a club on campus for Aboriginal students. Bishop’s has about 30 Aboriginal students and the Champlain Lennoxville Campus has approximately the same number.