National Indigenous Peoples Day offers us a moment to celebrate and recognize our accomplishments. This is also a time when reflection is welcomed in order to identify the challenges that we still face.
Laurentian is committed to the principles of truth and reconciliation. Our new strategic plan acknowledges this in many ways. One of our five key strengths is Indigeneity and our commitment to the principles established by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Outcomes include a commitment to enhance relationships with Indigenous communities, to implementing the calls to action from the TRC, to undertaking research that enhances mino-bimaadiziwin and to offer Anishinaabemowin language training to faculty, staff and students.
Laurentian was one of the first universities in Canada to create a senior academic position dedicated to Indigenous issues. This ongoing commitment to capacity building has resulted in the hiring of 25 Indigenous faculty members. We are also proud that our student population represents approximately 1100 self-identifying Indigenous learners.
Laurentian is a leader in Indigenous curriculum and programming. We house a unique community based master’s program in Indigenous Relations. Also, anyone who graduates with a BA must have completed at least six credits in courses with predominantly indigenous content.
Today also marks exactly one year since Laurentian opened the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre. A place that is home to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike. It is a culturally relevant space that is constructed in a traditional Anishinabe wigwam design. It is positioned at the front door of our university and is a reminder of the traditional lands that our institution is located on.
The McEwen School of Architecture is proudly led by Dr. David Fortin, who is the first Indigenous director of an architecture school in Canada. His work is currently prominently displayed at the Vienna Bienniale in Architecture. It is important to note that within a few years, McEwen grads will double the number of indigenous architects in Canada.
Laurentian’s Maamwizing Research Institute is dedicated to creating research partnerships with Indigenous communities. This institute is based on the principles of respect and reciprocity and is guided by Indigenous faculty. Maamwizing will be hosting its second conference in November 2018 with the theme “Pursuing Research in a Good Way” as its foundation.
It is critical that National Indigenous Day becomes a platform where we look forward together, speak our truths and listen honestly. This is the only way to make critical change for all of our peoples.