A new direction for Indigenous learning

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) unveiled 94 Calls to Action to address the harm caused by residential schools and foster the conditions for reconciliation. At a celebration on January 26, Denise O’Neil Green, vice-president, equity and community inclusion, and Elder Joanne Dallaire will present the community consultation report to the university.

Titled “Truth and Reconciliation at Ryerson University: Building a New Foundation for Generations to Come,” the report will be received by the president and provost, along with the unveiling of a plaque providing historical context that will be installed next to the Egerton Ryerson statue. The report was completed in collaboration with Traditional Counsellor and Campus Elder Joanne Dallaire, and was made possible through comprehensive consultation and meaningful dialogue with the Ryerson community.

“It will be a celebration,” said Denise O’Neil Green, vice-president, equity and community inclusion, who will host the event. “We want to say to our community: ‘We’ve heard you.’ It will be a time to appreciate one another—Indigenous and non-Indigenous.”

Inspired by the TRC’s call for increased access to post-secondary education for Indigenous students and to address the education gap, the report will build on Ryerson’s ongoing commitment to a campus environment that embraces and supports Indigenous learners, faculty and staff. Ryerson is also committed to ongoing engagement and consultation with its community.

“The report spans a whole range of areas that our community would like to see leadership take action on: increasing the number of Indigenous faculty and staff; having a greater Indigenous presence across campus, so that the campus feels more welcoming for our Aboriginal learners; and having a great emphasis on Aboriginal curriculum,” said Green.

The event will take place Friday, January 26 from 2-5 p.m. at the Kerr Hall Upper Gym (KHW 271), and will include an address and peace song from Monica McKay, director of Aboriginal Initiatives; the presentation of the Star Blanket to the president and provost; the presentation of the report, and the president and provost’s responses; traditional song performances, and a community feast. All from the Ryerson community are welcome.

To learn more about Aboriginal news at Ryerson, please visit https://www.torontomu.ca/aboriginal-news/.