Over the past few days, we have heard from many in the campus community on how our nation is doing in terms of building positive and supportive relationships with Indigenous people
Over the past few days, we have heard from many in the campus community on how our nation is doing in terms of building positive and supportive relationships with Indigenous people.
It is important to acknowledge these voices as well as the perspectives contained in an open letter to Canadian university presidents from Indigenous faculty members and others across the country. The letter calls on all post-secondary institutions to review their current approaches to working with Indigenous people and communities.
As educators, Universities certainly have a role to play to ensure that racism and discrimination no longer have a place in our society. We can and should ensure that we support an environment that provides fair and equitable experiences for Indigenous people through the language we use and the policies and strategic priorities we choose to adopt.
We know that we have much work ahead of us to address these issues as we continue the formalization of a comprehensive Indigenization Strategy at Waterloo.
The Indigenization Strategy includes, but is not limited to, developing a response to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, with a particular focus on those related to higher education. The Strategy is directed at engaging with the entire University community and seeks to address a wide span of issues and opportunities, including curriculum and academic programming, research, student experience, community engagement, and policies and procedures.
As a community, we have a duty to educate ourselves on the impact racism and discrimination have on Indigenous people and the pain and sorrow that can be experienced as a result. With that education, our institution can and will ensure that acceptance and inclusion guide our decisions and members of our community continue to receive the support they need to thrive.
- Feridun Hamdullahpur
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Waterloo
