Laurier launches university's Indigenous strategic plan

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Wilfrid Laurier University has launched its first Indigenous strategic plan.

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The plan “provides a pathway to creating an inclusive university community that incorporates Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and experiences into the fabric of the university,” said a news release.

The strategic plan aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action numbers 10, 11, 16, 62 and 65, which call for improving the gap of educational attainment for Indigenous learners; respecting and honouring treaty relationships; supporting Indigenous languages; integrating Indigenous knowledges and teaching methods into classrooms; and advancing understanding of reconciliation through research.

Darren Thomas, associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives at Laurier, led the creation of the strategic plan, conducting consultation with Indigenous elders, community members, faculty, staff and students.

“This plan provides a path forward for Laurier to work in partnership with Indigenous communities to undo the legacy of harm of colonialism, sharing a vision for education that combines Western and Indigenous knowledges and practices,” said Thomas.

Some elements identified in the strategic plan are already underway at the university, including the intentional recruitment of Indigenous faculty; and educational programs to increase awareness and understanding Indigenization, reconciliation and decolonization within the university community.

Some of the work being done includes:

• Laurier researchers partnering with Northwest Territories Indigenous community to provide real-time monitoring of lake ice for safe travel.
• History professor Lianne Leddy’s research and book on the impact of colonialism on her home community of Elliot Lake.
• The Laurier library mural project at the Waterloo campus in collaboration with Ojibwe artist Michael Cywink.
• Laurier honoured the achievements of its Indigenous graduates alongside their families and friends during a graduation celebration in May at Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
• Donations funded improvements to the Indigenous Student Centres on Laurier’s Brantford and Waterloo campuses. In Brantford, support of the Grundy family helped renovate Onkwehonwè:ne Brantford Campus to support the growing number of Indigenous students there. It also allows for more staff and programming and improved career development to expand employment options for Indigenous students.

“The launch of the Indigenous strategic plan marks an exciting chapter in Laurier’s history,” said Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor. “With this plan as our guide, we will work in the spirit of reconciliation to uphold our responsibilities to Indigenous peoples and communities.”