Student messages shed spotlight on Indigenous issues

Although important strides have been made when it comes to Indigenous relations at the University of Calgary, there is still more to do — something not lost on Michael Hart, vice-provost (Indigenous engagement).

Dr. Hart was pleased to see a display of nearly 100 sticky notes posted outside executive offices in the Administration building. Many of the notes outlined issues facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

“It is a great reminder to stay connected to the concerns of our community,” Hart says. “The university has been active in trying to address some of these longstanding issues, and that includes hearing from our university community.”

The display was posted by students in ANTH 310: Contemporary Indigenous Issues in Canada, and was meant to shine a light on key issues of greatest concern to Indigenous people.

“I appreciate that it’s here and that they’ve voiced their thoughts in this way. I think it helps us keep on track in terms of things that we’re doing. It’s another means of hearing community voice,” says Hart.

While it’s important to hear the community voice, Hart stresses that everyone has a role to play in reconciliation.

“In order to create significant and ongoing change, we all have a part to play,” says Hart. “We all need to look at how we have contributed, hindered, or supported the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples and we all have learning to do.”

In November 2017, UCalgary launched our Indigenous Strategy, marking the beginning of a transformative journey toward truth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples on campus and in our community.

“Our Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa' poh' to' p, looks at the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples to ensure we are walking together in parallel paths and in a respectful way,” Hart adds. “We try to reflect that in all of our work at the University of Calgary.”

ii’ taa’poh’to’p, the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, is a commitment to deep evolutionary transformation by reimagining ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being. Walking parallel paths together, ‘in a good way,’ UCalgary will move towards genuine reconciliation and Indigenization. Stay in touch with ii’ taa’poh’to’p’s activities and learn more about opportunities for education and development.