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Truth & Reconciliation

A view of the Ring, a public art piece on the university campus

In May 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released the report, Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (external link) . The report outlines the history and legacy of Canada’s residential school system for Indigenous children and includes  (PDF file) 94 Calls to Action (external link)  to redress this legacy and advance reconciliation in Canada.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is committed to the Calls to Action for post-secondary educational institutions, which include:

  • Developing Indigenous-focused programs in specific fields, including education, health care and law.
  • Increasing opportunities for intercultural competency training.
  • Promoting an awareness of Indigenous rights, histories and perspectives.

TMU’s strategic plan for truth and reconciliation

Following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report, TMU engaged in extensive community consultations with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members between 2016 and 2018. These consultations led to the publication of the report, Truth and Reconciliation at Ryerson: Building a Foundation for Generations to Come, authored by the former Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, Denise O’Neil Green, and Elder Joanne Dallaire. The report outlines challenges and opportunities for change, suggesting ways to:

  • Expand recognition and funding for current and new Indigenous initiatives.
  • Infuse Indigenous knowledge into the curriculum across all faculties.
  • Incorporate Indigenous concerns as a priority in strategic planning.

This report serves as a foundation for future discussions with the entire community on a plan moving forward.

The OVPECI's role in supporting TMU’s commitment to truth and reconciliation

The OVPECI is instrumental in cultivating an inclusive university environment by leading initiatives that champion equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization. Through its leadership of programs, initiatives, and teams, the OVPECI advances the university's commitments to truth and reconciliation to ensure they are actively pursued and embedded in every aspect of campus life.

The OVPECI is also home to key leaders, teams, and projects dedicated to promoting Indigenous initiatives, learning and support across TMU.

Through their collective work, the OVPECI helps to fulfill the themes in the 2018 community consultation report, including:

  • the development and implementation of a strategic vision to Indigenize the university (theme 1)
  • the improvement and expansion of support for Indigenous learners (theme 2)
  • the Indigenization of teaching and learning practices (theme 3)
  • the increase of Indigenous staff and faculty, as well as recognition of other ways of knowing (theme 4)
  • the deepening of community engagement and establishment of partnerships (theme 5)
  • the increased inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and understanding of Indigenous history and cultures (theme 6)

Key initiatives and areas of impact

Under the leadership of Vice-President of Equity and Community Inclusion Tanya De Mello, the OVPECI develops and implements programs, initiatives, and projects to embed Indigenous perspectives throughout TMU’s policies and programs. This includes initiatives to increase Indigenous-friendly practices and integrate Indigenous knowledge into teaching and learning practices through the work of the Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Joanne Dallaire, and the Indigenous Initiatives unit, which includes Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services and Rebirthed Teachings.

In her capacity as co-chair of the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Working Group, alongside Elder Joanne Dallaire and Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Tanya collaborates with Indigenous and non-Indigenous members to facilitate TMU’s implementation of the TRC recommendations.

Enhancing support systems for Indigenous students is a priority for the university. Through the work of Elder Joanne Dallaire and the Indigenous Initiatives unit, including Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services and Rebirthed Teachings, the OVPECI works to support an environment where Indigenous students thrive academically, socially, and personally, grounding their educational pursuits with cultural practices and traditional teachings.

One notable initiative is the Indigenous Career Mentoring Program, offered by Tri-Mentoring in partnership with Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services and the Career, Co-op and Student Success Centre. This initiative connects Indigenous students with Indigenous professionals, allowing them to explore their identities in the workplace, develop new skills and expand their professional networks.

Community engagement and partnerships

Building strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities is essential to our work at TMU. The OVPECI deepens community engagement and establishes meaningful partnerships to support reconciliation efforts and amplify Indigenous voices within the university and beyond. Through the work of Elder Joanne Dallaire and the Indigenous Initiatives unit, including Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services and Rebirthed Teachings, the OVPECI builds partnerships with departments and stakeholders across the university to integrate Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of university life.  

Raising awareness, promoting education, and fostering community with Indigenous Peoples

Throughout the year, the OVPECI organizes community events that align with TMU's commitment to truth and reconciliation which include talking circles, community feasts, memorials, role model and mentorship events, wellness days and showcases of Indigenous students' research.

Programs and services

Elder and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 

As part of the OVPECI, Elder Joanne Dallaire provides leadership to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the university's culture and community. Serving as a member of the Senate, chair of the Indigenous Education Council, and co-chair of the TRC Strategic Working Group, Elder Joanne advocates for Indigenous voices to be respected and included.

Upholding the traditional Cree approach of accepting people without judgment, Elder Joanne offers monthly teachings to the community and prioritizes actions that promote learning and growth. She is committed to educating the TMU community about the true history of the land and advocating for Indigenous rights and justice. Joanne encourages open dialogue, inviting individuals to share their hopes, concerns and ideas with her.

Learn more about Elder Joanne Dallaire and explore her teachings. 

Indigenous Initiatives

As part of the OVPECI, Monica McKay serves as the Director of Indigenous Initiatives, providing assistance and support to the Indigenous community at TMU. Monica works to foster successful and meaningful academic experiences without barriers, employing the Indigenous relational model to listen, advise, strategize and collaborate with partners. Her tireless efforts over the last three decades aim to integrate Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of university life, informing policies, programs and initiatives for a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Learn more about Indigenous Initiatives.

Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services

As part of the OVPECI's Indigenous Initiatives unit, Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services has evolved over the past 30 years to provide culturally supportive programs and initiatives to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students at TMU. Founded by Monica McKay in the early 1990s, the team offers community events, tutoring, traditional counselling and financial assistance, aiming to balance academic excellence with traditional teachings and culture to foster a sense of belonging for Indigenous students.

Learn more about Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services.

Rebirthed Teachings (Kiwenitawi-kiwin Kiskino-hamatewina)

Also part of the OVPECI's Indigenous Initiatives unit, Rebirthed Teachings (Kiwenitawi-kiwin Kiskino-hamatewina) is led by Amy Desjarlais, Lead Facilitator. Collaborating with partners across TMU, Amy works to foster truth, understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This program provides education, professional development and support to TMU community members.

Learn more about Rebirthed Teachings.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) Curriculum Transformation

Within the OVPECI, the Special Advisor to the President for EDID Curriculum Transformation, Jennifer Simpson, leads the implementation of key Standing Strong Task Force recommendations on curriculum. This role involves developing learning opportunities about Indigenous history and Indigenous-colonial relations for all students, contributing to TMU's broader commitment to equity and decolonization.

Learn more about EDID curriculum transformation.

Learn more

To learn more about truth and reconciliation at TMU, including a progress of recommendations, please visit the Truth and Reconciliation page on the Indigenous TMU website.

Questions?

Please contact the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion at equity@torontomu.ca.

If you would like to learn more about the TRC Strategic Working Group or share an initiative, please visit the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Strategic Working Group on the Indigenous TMU website.