Confederation College continues to work on advancing its five year strategic plan.
Indigenous Learning was identified as a top priority.
President Kathleen Lynch says they have worked really hard to address systemic racism in the college.
“This is facilitated through education and we have a Negahneewin education strategy that has been created both for staff and students to help us do this.”
Lynch says they had mandatory staff training on Indigenous culture and history and had nearly 100% compliance.
She notes the work also involves updating all of their policies and procedures to reflect First Nations culture and beliefs.
Lynch adds part of their plan includes expanding Indigenous programming.
“We have Native Child and Family Services, Community Advocacy. We’re starting an Indigenous Language program and then we do contract training as well with many Indigenous organizations and Tribal organizations.”
The Campus Director at Confederation College in Dryden and Sioux Lookout says respecting Indigenous knowledges, cultures and languages is a foundation of their programming.
Angelina Anderson says “It is really important to embed Indigenous learning in every program. So every student, every graduate, will have the necessary understanding to work in their field and be aware and collaborative and understanding.”
The Indigenous Learning pillar in the strategic plan states:
Confederation College aspires to be a leader in Indigenous learning in Canada.
Goal: Implement and support the knowledge and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples as part of our commitment to reconciliation.
1. Embed Indigenous knowledges, cultures and languages as a foundation of the College’s fabric and landscape, through the creation of respectful and affirming spaces for Indigenous students, families and communities on all of our campuses.
2. Increase the number of Indigenous staff and faculty across the College.
3. Ensure all students and employees experience and understand the Negahneewin Vision.
Goal: Engage in meaningful relationship building with Indigenous communities and organizations.
1. Implement the Mino Wiijiiwidowin (Good Relations) Model within the College and with identified communities and organizations.
2. Build strategies to support the recruitment of Indigenous students following principles of respect, relationships and reciprocity with Indigenous communities, partners and organizations.
