1. Build relationships and support the work of Indigenous people and groups
We will collaborate with and act as a resource to Indigenous faculty members, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, the Indigenous Students’ Association, and other Indigenous community members and groups on the Waterloo campus, at other universities, and in the broader community, by:
- Being available to Indigenous faculty and Indigenous leadership for information and insight about FAUW, faculty terms of employment, and university governance structures.
- Promoting and participating in Indigenous activities on campus and throughout the Region of Waterloo.
- Writing letters of support, when appropriate.
- Sharing emerging issues via the FAUW blog and newsletter.
- Amplifying statements and initiatives coming out of the CAUT Aboriginal Forum, the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA), the World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education (WIPCE), the Canadian Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (CAISES), and other Indigenous-led academic organizations and networks.
2. Advocate for changes at the University level
We will focus on improving Indigenous faculty working conditions, including:
- Advocating for the FAUW Board of Directors to negotiate changes to the Memorandum of Agreement or University policies, such as adding language about Indigenous research, service, representation at the level of dean, and teaching.
- Advocating directly to the University as faculty members.
- Supporting faculties and departments in their work to incorporate and retain Indigenous faculty, particularly in preparing for cluster hiring.
- Sharing in-progress best practices for hiring Indigenous faculty.
3. Educate and support FAUW members
We will engage in FAUW member education initiatives that build and mobilize member support in service of our advocacy efforts, including:
- Encouraging FAUW members to participate in existing training opportunities related to Indigenization and Indigenous knowledge.
- Advocating for more training to be made available through faculty professional development avenues (e.g., the Office of Research, the Academic Leadership Program).
- Hosting a Reading Circle in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 62.
- Facilitating institutional mentorship for Indigenous faculty.
- Advocating for the needs of Indigenous scholarship, teaching, and learning.
- Providing resources about Indigenous students’ experiences, including the importance and nuances of mentoring Indigenous students.
4. Mobilize changes within FAUW
As the FAUW membership diversifies, we will investigate and recommend changes within the Faculty Association itself to better engage and support Indigenous members, as such needs arise.