Supporting Indigenous Inclusion at Canada's Polytechnics
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Supporting Indigenous Inclusion at Canada’s Polytechnics Image provided by Humber College Acknowledgements As a national association, Polytechnics Canada acknowledges that our offices are located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation and that our members are located on the traditional territories of numerous Indigenous nations. Polytechnics Canada would like to George Brown College acknowledges Saskatchewan Polytechnic extend our sincere appreciation and that they are located on the traditional acknowledges that their campuses are gratitude to the faculty and staff territory of the Mississaugas of the located on traditional Treaty 4 and Treaty who support Indigenous learners Credit First Nation and other Indigenous 6 territories and the homelands of the and contribute to the healing and peoples who have lived on this land. Métis people. Saskatchewan Polytechnic reconciliation journey in Canada. We respectfully recognizes the Indigenous would also like to thank the Indigenous peoples of these lands as part of their leaders and allies that made this commitment to good relations and a Humber College is located within publication possible by sharing their reconciled future. the traditional and treaty lands of the insights, best practices and stories Mississaugas of the Credit. Known as from polytechnic campuses across the Adoobiigok, the “Place of the Alders” in country. We recognize there is much to Michi Saagiig language, the region is Seneca College acknowledges that learn on the path to reconciliation and uniquely situated along Humber River the land on which its buildings rest Canadian post-secondary institutions Watershed, an integral connection and spaces where students, faculty, have a responsibility to expand access for Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and support staff and the public gather, is the and foster greater achievement for First Wendat peoples between the Ontario traditional territory of the Mississaugas Nations, Métis and Inuit learners to Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe/ of the New Credit First Nation and the succeed in the workforce. Georgian Bay regions. Now home to signatories of the Williams Treaties. people of numerous nations, Adoobiigok continues to provide a vital source of Algonquin College is located on the interconnection for all. Sheridan College acknowledges that unceded and unsurrendered territory the land on which they gather has been of the Algonquin people. Traditionally and still is the traditional territory of known as “Anishinabe,” Algonquin people Kwantlen Polytechnic University several Indigenous nations, including are the original inhabitants of the wide acknowledges that they are located the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee swath of territory along the Ottawa River. on the unceded and ancestral lands Confederacy, the Wendat, the Métis, of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, and the Mississaugas of the Credit Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt and First Nation. Since time immemorial, The British Columbia Institute of Kwikwetlem peoples. numerous Indigenous nations and Technology acknowledges that their Indigenous peoples have lived and campuses are located on the unceded passed through this territory. Sheridan traditional territories of the Coast Salish recognizes this territory is covered by the The Northern Alberta Institute of Nations of Skwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Technology acknowledges that their səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Row Wampum treaty, which emphasizes campuses lie on traditional Treaty 6 xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam). the importance of joint stewardship, territory, an important trading centre for peace, and respectful relationships. the Métis Nation. Conestoga College acknowledges they are located on the traditional territory of The Southern Alberta Institute of Red River College campuses are located the Anishnawbe, Haudenosaunee and Technology acknowledges it is situated on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Attawandaran peoples. on the traditional territories of the Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and Blackfoot Confederacy which today on the homeland of the Métis Nation. encompasses the Indigenous people of Fanshawe College acknowledges the Treaty 7 region: the Siksika, Piikani, that they are located on the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, the Stony Nakoda unceded territory of the Anishnaabe, and the Northwest Metis Homeland. Haudenoshaunee and Lenape peoples SAIT also acknowledges all the people of Southwestern Ontario. who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. Image provided by Seneca College – Roberto Vazquez Photography The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action provide a roadmap to reconciliation and the revitalization of relationships between Canada, Canadians, and Indigenous Peoples and communities. Within the Calls to Action, education is a prominent theme. Polytechnics recognize their role in the healing Canada’s future prosperity relies on a strong and journey between Indigenous and non-Indigenous inclusive society, one that addresses past inequities peoples. While acknowledging they have much to and builds toward a future where Indigenous learn on the path to reconciliation, these institutions learners have every opportunity to thrive and have made an ongoing commitment to addressing succeed. To foster an inclusive environment and the history and legacy of colonialism in education. ultimately a more inclusive workforce, polytechnics This is a long-term commitment. work in partnership with local and regional Indigenous communities to mitigate barriers to Knowing there is much more to accomplish, education and promote a culture of identity and polytechnics have taken the first steps to prioritize belonging. Polytechnic institutions recognize their how Indigenous learners see themselves, their role in creating the foundation of strong and vibrant history, culture and language in their educational communities, creating inclusive spaces that lift experiences. To achieve this, polytechnic voices in educational settings. In the following institutions have attempted to reflect on and pages, we identify a few of the ways they are embed the diverse knowledge and culture of ensuring that reconciliation is a living, breathing Indigenous Peoples in: part of polytechnic campuses. • Institutional frameworks & plans • Campus spaces & symbols • Pathways to post-secondary education • Cultural supports on campus • Partnerships with Indigenous communities • Teaching & learning programs Supporting Indigenous Inclusion at Canada’s Polytechnics 1 Embedding Commitments into Institutional Frameworks Launched in May 2019, the Indigenous Vision: A Framework for Action and Accountability reaffirms the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s 25-year commitment to the enrolment and success of Indigenous learners. Close to 500 stakeholders were consulted in the process to develop the framework, which aligns with BCIT’s Strategic Plan. The Indigenous Vision and associated Implementation Plan focus on three areas, positioning BCIT as a first-choice post-secondary institution with well-developed pathways to support Indigenous learners as they transition to and from BCIT. Actions include: • People-focused inclusion actions to build • Relationship actions to foster a culture in which awareness and understanding around truth, respect and collaboration underpin authentic reconciliation, Indigenization and the legacy and sustainable partnerships, representing of colonization progress toward a future that includes the place and space of Indigenous people • Accountability actions that create an environment that reflects and supports learners with programs, policies and services Image provided by Saskatchewan Polytechnic 2 The Indigenous student experience is at the heart of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s strategy and commitment to the renewal of relationships — miyo wahkohtowin — with Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Success Strategy focuses on the institution’s efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by integrating Indigenous ways of being, knowing, teaching and learning in all aspects of the institution. The strategy focuses on: • Nebah ho?á (Denesuline) Welcome: Ensure • Wiyokihiya (Dakota) Empower: Celebrate Indigenous students attending Saskatchewan Indigenous student success and prepare Polytechnic are well prepared for post-secondary Indigenous graduates for successful careers life and are set up for success • Avik wiiyawow (Michif) Belong: Create inclusive, • Ki-kinomawo (Nakawe) Inspire: Help Indigenous respectful and welcoming campuses, where students thrive at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Indigenous students have a sense of belonging Indigenous students make up 19 per cent of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s student population. Seats in all programs are reserved for Indigenous students and a Summer Transition Program is available to prepare students for success. Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, Leading the Rise, is also based on the Cree phrase miyo wahkohtowin. At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, we honour this principle in every interaction, institutional practice, procedure, policy and service we provide to learners, faculty, staff, alumni and our communities. The institution works to create an inclusive, collaborative and respectful environment in which everyone can grow, thrive and lift each other up. Supporting Indigenous Inclusion at Canada’s Polytechnics 3 Indigenous Spaces & Symbols on Campus Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination