Indigenous Engagement Strategic Plan
Building on the University of Regina’s history as a leader in Indigenous engagement and education, the Office of Indigenous Engagement, led by Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, is working to develop an Indigenous engagement strategic plan. The strategic plan will identify actions to break down barriers and empower Indigenous peoples and communities by reviewing university practices, policies, and process.
Decolonizing the university teaching, research, learning and services will take time and meaningful collaboration with the university community and Treaty 4 and 6 First Nations and Métis communities. Students, staff, and First Nation and Métis community members are invited to share their thoughts and perspectives on actions and changes that ensure the University of Regina continues to be a welcoming and safe campus for all.
Interim Report
This is what we've heard so far from completed engagement sessions - November 2022 to April 2023.
Engagement Opportunities
Since January 2023, various opportunities were available for students, faculty, and Indigenous communities to share ideas that further support academic Indigenization, Indigenous-centred research, governance and administration, student success, and community engagement.
Conversations and engagement focused on rebuilding relationships with Indigenous communities, acknowledging truths and advancing Indigenous excellence. A total of 15 engagement opportunities, in-person and virtual were scheduled. Due to limited interest, in-person community engagements were cancelled. In addition, one-on-one interviews were available to participants wishing for independent conversations to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas.
The feedback gained through these various engagement opportunities can collectively decolonize the teaching, research, learning and services. Thank you to everyone that participated and shared valuable insights and understanding to help shape a more welcoming and safe campus for all.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the development of the Indigenous Engagement Strategic Plan or would like to provide additional feedback on the interim report, please feel free to connect with the Office of Indigenous Engagement.
Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Engagement)
Rebecca Sparvier, Executive Assistant
Phone: 306-337-2944
Email: Rebecca.Sparvier@uregina.ca
Office of Indigenous Engagement
Research and Innovation Centre (RI 118)
University of Regina Main Campus
Completed Engagement Opportunities
All student and staff sessions
U of R Indigenous Student sessions
- March 20 at 5 p.m.
- March 21 at 2 p.m.
First Nations University of Canada student sessions
All U of R Alumni sessions
- March 22 at 2 p.m.
- March 22 at 7 p.m.
Indigenous U of R and First Nations University of Canada Alumni Sessions
- March 23 at 6 p.m.
- March 24 at 12 p.m. (noon)
Indigenous Education Coordinators Focus Group
- May 10 at 1:00 p.m.
Rural Indigenous Communities Focus Group
- May 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Local, Rural and Urban Indigenous Communities Focus Group
- May 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Public Survey
- February 13 – May 26, 2023
A public survey supported the open house. This survey allowed participants unable to participate in the in-person engagements to provide feedback and share their experiences. The survey responses provide valuable insights into opportunities and challenges that exist across the University of Regina.
Student Survey
- November 27, 2022 – January 6, 2023
Anonymous student survey to better understand current knowledge and activities at the university. A short survey consisted of 12 questions related to aligning principles, teaching and learnings, and Indigenous community engagement.
Guiding the Plan
The United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice all have a role in ensuring true systemic change. Work towards the creation of an Indigenous engagement strategic plan will align with the three documents and the University of Regina’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, All Our Relations, kahkiyaw kiwâhkômâkaninawak.
Developing an Indigenous engagement strategic plan requires inclusive and meaningful conversations about the university systems, opportunities for improvements and acknowledging truths and experiences of everyone on campus. Guiding conversations and decisions throughout the process will be the University of Regina’s values of mutual respect, honesty, and integrity; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Indigenous ways of knowing; and community and social responsibility.
Staying true to, and living the university’s values, an Advisory Group has been created that will support and guide engagement and development of the plan. The Advisory Group is made up of six members, including students, academic staff, and First Nation and Métis members.
Students, staff, board, executives, deans, academic staff and Treaty 4 and 6 First Nations and Métis communities are essential and will play a critical role in the creation of an innovative and transformational Indigenous engagement strategic plan.
Strengthening Connections
Honouring the past, together.
The University of Regina and its federated colleges are on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 — the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation.
We recognize that, as an institution founded by settlers, we benefit from being on this land. We are grateful for the privilege to learn, teach, and work here. We demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and world views in our research, teaching, and studies to ensure that there are increased economic, social, and creative opportunities for current and future generations. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and build a more inclusive future.
