A Comprehensive Examination
Submitted by the Indigenous Strategy Alliance
Since then, universities and colleges across the country have ramped up initiatives to bolster Indigenous achievement. The establishment of Indigenous student centres, recruitment of Indigenous students, development of Indigenous-focused programs and introduction of wraparound supports underscore a shift in the educational landscape. The aim? To enhance Indigenous achievement, not just in terms of academic outcomes but also in nurturing selfidentity, self-efficacy and wellness, and ensuring higher graduation and employment rates.
In 2016, a groundbreaking document reshaped the Canadian narrative—the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. It was a profound acknowledgment of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It wasn’t just a call to governments or specific sectors; it was a call to every Canadian institution, including post-secondary institutions.
Why is this so crucial? Because choosing a post-secondary institution is about more than just academic programs or campus facilities. It’s about finding a place that recognizes, respects and nurtures a student’s unique identity, heritage and aspirations.
To understand how post-secondary institutions were responding, while working at Indspire as the
Vice President of Programs and Student Success, Rebecca Chartrand spearheaded research that reviewed publicly-available website information from each post-secondary institution. In an exhaustive review of websites from over 200 post-secondary institutions, it was determined that 103 had made proactive strides toward reconciliation, showcasing their commitments through strategies, statements and comprehensive reports.
Notably, 103 institutions, including nine polytechnics, 41 colleges and 55 universities, have adopted a reconciliation/indigenization or Indigenous achievement plan. From these, around 65% had Indigenous leads at the helm. Furthermore,
107 institutions offered Indigenous student services, centres or support teams, and considering multi-campus
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22 | EDUCATION & TRAINING institutions, this number extended to services across 125 campuses. Career resources tailored for Indigenous students were available in 68 institutions while 65 provided specialized financial aid options, including bursaries and awards. In terms of academic support, 73 institutions had crafted tutoring and academic resources for Indigenous students. A significant number, 83 institutions, had collaborated with Elders, and while not all were in residence, an estimated 250 Elders were actively engaged.
Additionally, 57 institutions bolstered Indigenous representation through student groups, councils or clubs, with some institutions hosting multiple such entities, summing up to 89 groups across these institutions. This data painted a clear picture of the concerted efforts made in the post-secondary realm to champion reconciliation and Indigenization. Additionally, there were themes that emerged from the efforts.
Post-secondary institutions have placed apronounced emphasis on Celebrating and Integrating Indigenous Culture and Wisdom. These efforts manifest in multiple ways. By amplifying Indigenous voices and presence, institutions underscore their commitment to respect and inclusivity. This reverence extends to the active promotion of traditional knowledge and experiences, seamlessly intertwining them with modern academic pursuits. There's also a renewed focus on Indigenous languages, symbolizing a deeper connection to cultural roots.
The second theme revolves around Guiding and Refining Research and Institutional Policies. Institutions are not only increasingly acknowledging Indigenous principles but are actively embracing them. Concurrently, there’s a notable shift in re-evaluating and potentially overhauling current research methodologies. These endeavours are not just confined to
Institutions are working to amplify the Indigenous presence and voices within their walls.
introspection; many institutions are pioneering these practices, like Queen’s University, setting a precedent for other academic entities.
Our third identified theme, Strengthening Bonds and Ensuring Accountability, underscores the importance of trust and mutual respect. Institutions are showcasing a heightened sense of responsibility and transparency, like the University of British Columbia. This commitment extends to deepening their engagement with Indigenous communities and enhancing affinities with Indigenous stakeholders, ensuring collaboration through a two-way dialogue.
Lastly, efforts geared toward Fostering an Equitable and Welcoming Campus Atmosphere are unmistakable. Institutions are working to amplify the Indigenous presence and voices within their walls. Simultaneously, there’s a concerted push to ensure the success and longevity of Indigenous students, which is complemented by initiatives aimed at addressing systemic barriers for Indigenous learners.
Post-Secondary Institutions Are Stepping Up
Overall, our research identified that many post-secondary institutions stand out as beacons of progress in the quest to promote Indigenous achievement. Here, we spotlight three such institutes:
The University of Manitoba set the tone with its TRC Action Plan, detailing 28 overarching calls to action. Beyond academics, the plan emphasised physical spaces, like the Indigenous Student Centre, to honour Indigenous cultures. It’s not just about recruitment but about ensuring that once Indigenous students are on campus, they feel recognized, respected and valued. Located in the heart of Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba has made significant strides in supporting Indigenous students. Beyond infrastructural commitments, the university boasts a plethora of financial aid opportunities, some uniquely for Indigenous students.
Additionally, specialized academic programs dedicated to Indigenous success are in place, backed by faculty, Elders and Indigenous Connector