Standing Strong Task Force co-chairs reflect on new name
Toronto Metropolitan University is a name that the whole community can grow with, say co-chairs of the Standing Strong Task Force.
As co-chairs of the Standing Strong Task Force, we welcome our university’s new name, which fulfils one of the 22 recommendations put forward in our (PDF file) final report. By prioritizing the renaming project, the university has removed a significant barrier to serving our community and fulfilling its aspirations.
Both our new name and the process that led to that decision reflect the Task Force’s learnings and reinforce the university’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all.
The Task Force approached its mandate through an Indigenous lens, guided by the belief that no one is above, no one is below, no one is ahead and no one is behind. Regardless of age, stage or position, everyone’s voice is equally valued.
This framework shaped the university’s understanding of community engagement and consultation over the past year, not only for the implementation of Task Force recommendations, but also for other key initiatives such as planning for the new School of Medicine. By embracing the learnings from the Task Force, the university confirms to us its commitment to building and strengthening relationships with historically excluded and underserved communities.
Drawing from the Task Force’s approach, the University Renaming Advisory Committee (URAC) embarked on a community-informed process to address the harm caused by the ongoing commemoration of Egerton Ryerson by identifying a shortlist of names that better align with the university’s values. The URAC sought community input to understand the range of ideas and perspectives from all, regardless of affiliation with the university. The results of that process helped the URAC to identify the scope of exploration for a new name and identified a strong desire for the university’s new name to reflect our location and values.
A name to take us into the future
A metropolis is a place where many people, cultures, ideas and experiences come together, a place where all are welcome.
Toronto Metropolitan University is a name that the whole community can grow with. It is a name that invites everyone in and allows the institution to be defined and known for the work that is done here, the community members that the university serves and the breadth of its accomplishments.
Even more importantly, our new name reflects our commitment to the future. It considers what the next seven generations need to thrive on our campus and it reflects the intentionality of the Indigenous worldview that helped shape the renaming process.
Our new name will be a constant reminder of our commitment to the transformative journey ahead, and lays a foundation for the implementation of the rest of the Task Force’s recommendations.
Catherine Ellis and Joanne Dallaire
Standing Strong Task Force co-Chairs