U of A to host this year’s forum on reconciliation
Two-day event will focus on ways post-secondary institutions can help
The University of Alberta will launch a two-day forum on reconciliation Wednesday, signified with the transfer of a walking stick marked with the school’s logo.
It’s the second annual event focusing on how post-secondary institutions can address the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
University of Saskatchewan chancellor Blaine Favel said more than 50 schools attended last year’s forum in Saskatoon.
“The residential school survivors that helped us shape our conference wanted there to be something symbolic …. They came up with the (walking) stick,” he said, adding that it suggests honesty. “As it gets transferred, each university adds their logo.
“We’re hoping it’s becoming an annual tradition.”
The stick was created by Chief Wallace Fox of the Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, northeast of Lloydminster.
Favel said reconciliation includes a focus on language preservation, better representation in programs and teaching the history of aboriginal people.
“The buzz word is ‘indigenizing the academy,’ which really means making campuses across the country more welcoming; for universities to become more effective at getting more indigenous Canadians into their hallways and have them graduate successfully.”
Last year’s forum led to the creation of a position for a viceprovost of indigenous relations at the University of Saskatchewan, he said, adding that it also led to more investment in support and mentorship programs.
“It’s been a galvanization of the university … to be more open.”
Favel said the fact that University of Alberta is hosting the forum means its gaining momentum.
“It was important that we not be the only university to host it,” he said.
Kelsey Dokis-Jansen, University of Alberta’s indigenous initiatives manager, said the walking stick that will be presented to university president David Turpin is a symbol of responsibility to carry forward the work of reconciliation.
“What we’re hoping to come from (the forum) is for leaders of postsecondary institutions across the country to have some really clear, actionable way to make change in their own institutions,” she said. “I think we’re able to build on the conversation that was started last year and move beyond what’s not working.”