Indigenization

Given that approximately 12.7 per cent of the University of Regina's students have self declared that they are of Aboriginal descent, it is extremely important to ensure that those students - as well as our faculty and staff and members of the public - find our University to be a welcoming and inclusive place. For that reason, a key objective of the University of Regina's Strategic Plan is to ensure that wherever possible and appropriate, First Nations and Métis cultures are reflected in all aspects of campus life, in everything from our curriculum to our campus design and the ceremonies that are part of Convocation.  

In recent years, a number of important initiatives have been implemented to help Indigenize the University of Regina and support the success of Indigenous students, faculty and staff on campus. The ta-tawâw Student Centre has been expanded to provided a culturally appropriate studying and gathering place for our students, for example, and an Indigenous Advisory Circle (formerly called Aboriginal Advisory Circle) was created to regularly advise the President and Vice-Chancellor on measures that must be taken to ensure that the campus remains dedicated to and focused on meeting the needs of Indigenous students, faculty and staff.

Academic Indigenization

Indigenization is a shared responsibility at the University of Regina. Indigenizing academic programs is aligned with Peyak Aski Kikawinaw. Academic Indigenization refers to the transformation of academic programs with an aim of both re-centering Indigenous content, epistemology and pedagogy and through academic program decolonization. 100 ways to Indigenize and decolonize academic programs and courses will provide some guidance on working toward Indigenizing and decolonizing your academic work.

Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC)

The Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) is an advisory committee that provides guidance to the University of Regina’s Office of the President. The work of Indigenization requires authentic relationship building with First Nations and Métis peoples, which must be undertaken in a respectful manner. The University staff and faculty have a responsibility to offer programs and courses, and undertake research that is reflective of this territory, its histories, and the aspirations of the Indigenous peoples of this land.

The IAC is committed to ensuring that faculty and staff are provided with the supports necessary to engage authentically and respectfully with Indigenous knowledges, communities, and Elders/knowledge keepers as they work to further Indigenize their work.

The IAC’s membership is made up of Indigenous staff and faculty volunteers from across the University of Regina and the three federated colleges: the First Nations University of Canada, Campion College, and Luther College. Monthly meetings are opened with a smudge and a prayer. While these meetings are not open to the public, we do regularly welcome guests who would like to update the IAC on their Indigenization activities or who are looking for advice and guidance. The IAC also holds an annual fall “Meet and Greet,” which is an opportunity for all Indigenous staff and faculty from across campus to network and socialize.

At the University of Regina, Indigenization is a shared responsibility and the IAC understands that in order to engage in higher levels of Indigenizing practices, staff and faculty require financial support. The IAC helps to support Indigenization through the IAC’s Indigenization Fund. 

IAC Indigenization Fund

Indigenization is a shared responsibility. Indigenization aims to transform the University of Regina by “including Indigenous knowledges, voices, critiques, scholars, students and materials” for all students, staff and faculty (IAC Strategic Plan 2015-2020, U of R Strategic Plan 2015-2020). This is achieved by increasing the participation of faculty in decolonizing our teaching. In addition, we would like to ensure that supports are in place for faculty to engage in community-based research and service aimed at enhancing the lives of First Nations and Métis peoples in our province.

Some of our faculties have made notable strides in Indigenization. They have done so by integrating Indigenous content and scholarship into courses, hiring Indigenous faculty, and engaging in research with Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) is committed to ensuring that faculty and staff are provided with the supports necessary to engage with Indigenous knowledges, communities and Elders as they work to further Indigenize teaching and research.

First Nations and Métis communities have complex and often integrated research needs. Authentic relationship building with First Nations and Métis peoples must be undertaken in a respectful manner. The U of R faculty could play a greater service role by creating holistic research teams to address issues of poverty, environment, health impacts, cultural renewal, as well as other concerns. The U of R faculty also has a responsibility to offer courses which are reflective of this territory, and reflect the histories and aspirations of the Indigenous peoples of this land. The IAC understands that in order to engage in higher levels of Indigenizing practice faculty need financial support.

The IAC receives a small amount of funding from the Office of the President. These modest resources have helped students, faculty and staff host activities in support of Indigenization. Calls for Proposals are made every fall and winter. This fund does not replace the integration of Indigenization initiatives into core unit funding processes.

This fund does not replace the integration of Indigenization initiatives into core unit funding processes.