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Written by: Joy Braga

Today marks the last day of Treaties Recognition Week 2021. The Office of Indigenous Relations would like to thank everyone who attended the events that took place this week and dedicated time to learn more about the significance of treaty rights, relationships, and their relevance today. Treaties are a foundational part of Canadian society. All people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have treaty rights and responsibilities. We are all treaty people.

This article was originally published in the Catalyst e-newsletter.

PART continues its anti-racism book club series on November 16, 2021, at noon with a review of The Fourth World: An Indian Reality by George Manuel and Michael Posluns. Originally published in 1974, The Fourth World is a critical work of Indigenous political activism that has long been out of print. The newly updated edition in 2018 includes an introduction by Glen Sean Coulthard (Yellowknives Dene) and an afterword by Doreen Manuel (Secwepemc/Ktunaxa), a daughter of George Manuel.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

New AVP role for Jean Becker

In a memo circulated to University employees last Friday, President Vivek Goel and Vice-President, Academic & Provost James Rush announced that they have acted on recommendations from the Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion office review team to create two new organizational units led by Associate Vice-Presidents that will report to the Vice-President, Academic & Provost. These units replace two of the functions of the former Office of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion. Both appointments are effective immediately.

The new Office of Indigenous Relations will be led by Jean Becker, who will take on the new title of Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Relations.

Written by: Joy Braga

Warning: The following article includes details of Canada’s Indian Residential School System. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line (24-hour, 7 days a week) is available to provide support for former students and those affected: 1-866-925-4419.

Recently in June, the House of Commons unanimously supported legislation to recognize September 30th as a federal statutory holiday called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This new holiday will be a paid day off for federal workers and employees in federally regulated workplaces. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation notably coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a day when we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada.  

Written By: Joy Braga

Warning: This article contains descriptions of the harsh treatment experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis children in the residential school system.

On June 29th, the Indigenous Initiatives Office hosted their keynote event for National Indigenous History Month with the Honourable Murray Sinclair. Honourable Sinclair served as Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry in Manitoba and as Chief Commissioner of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). As head of the TRC, he participated in hundreds of hearings across Canada, culminating in the issuance of the TRC’s report in 2015. The Honourable Murray Sinclair was also the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and served its justice system for over 40 years. He recently retired from the Canadian Senate where he was appointed on April 2, 2016.