September 30, 2024

Several Canadian postsecondary institutions took part in the 10th anniversary renewal of the Buffalo Treaty. CTV News explains that the treaty—which now involves over 40 different Indigenous nations—focuses on preserving the bison ways through conservation, culture, and education. Lethbridge Polytechnic, Red Crow College, and the University of Lethbridge helped host the 10th Anniversary gathering, where Mount Royal University joined as one of the new signatories. By signing this treaty, MRU is committing to supporting the reintroduction of buffalo herds, protecting natural habitats, and promoting sustainable management. The treaty also strengthens ties between the university and with Indigenous communities.

Okanagan College recently held a name-giving ceremony for its new student housing building at the Vernon campus. The new name–ect̓aʔt̓ixʷəxʷlm iʔ t̓ik̓ʷt l aʔ nk̓ək̓maplqs–was chosen in consultation with local Syilx Okanagan Nation Elders, members, and educators and is Syilx for “Changing Colours of Kalamalka Lake.” The college also raised the Okanagan Indian Band flag at the ceremony. “By raising the Okanagan Indian Band flag and naming this student housing building with the Syilx name, ect̓aʔt̓ixʷəxʷlm iʔ t̓ik̓ʷt l aʔ nk̓ək̓maplqs, we are taking meaningful steps toward healing and strengthening our connection to the Indigenous peoples whose lands we are on,” said Okanagan Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Rhea Dupuis.

Northwestern Polytechnic has renewed its Indigenous Education Protocol, which has been signed by representatives from NWP and the Circle of Indigenous Students. The agreement reaffirms the institution’s commitment to incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and relating into its educational, organizational, cultural, and social frameworks. Initially signed in 2018, the updated protocol outlines eight guiding principles for the institution to support Indigenous education. “The opportunity to update and formalize a renewed Indigenous Education Protocol for our institution is a great honour,” said NWP President Dr Vanessa Sheane. “Education is a powerful tool for reconciliation and this protocol reflects our commitment to embracing Indigenous knowledge, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Indigenous communities are not only integrated but celebrated.”

The University of Saskatchewan and the University of Manitoba have each unveiled Indigenous student spaces. UManitoba’s College of Nursing opened a lounge for Mahkwa Omushki Kiim: Pathway to Indigenous Nursing Education students to study, socialize, and relax. It is properly ventilated for smudging and is adjacent to an outdoor medicine garden with plants such as sage, tobacco, and cedar. USask’s College of Education has revitalized and renamed the Indigenous student lounge for its Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) in honour of the late Dr Cecil King, the founding ITEP director. The Dr Cecil King ITEP Student Lounge now features new furniture and art pieces celebrating King’s legacy.

The University of Toronto and Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue have each opened new outdoors spaces that are intended to support teaching, sharing, and reconciliation. U of T held an official opening for Ziibiing, an Indigenous landscape project. Ziibiing features a pavilion supported by 13 columns—symbolizing the 13 moons of the year—encircling a firepit that will be used for ceremonial fires. UQAT inaugurated Tesabidan, an outdoor venue that recognizes the role of First Peoples within the university and its communities. The name Tesabidan, meaning “let’s sit down” in Anicinabemowin, was chosen in consultation with Elders and Indigenous professionals.

Great Plains College, North West College, and Suncrest College are expanding the Saskatchewan Colleges partnership to include Carlton Trail College starting this October. Launched initially in 2021, this partnership facilitates collaboration on international student recruitment and admissions with the aim of enhancing the reputation of Saskatchewan’s regional colleges in the global market. “Welcoming Carlton Trail to the Saskatchewan Colleges partnership will allow us to build from our foundational knowledge and collective expertise to successfully attract international students to rural Saskatchewan,” said Great Plains VP of Programs and Students Keleah Ostrander. “It will also enable Saskatchewan Colleges to grow its recruitment and admissions capacity in a collaborative and cost-effective manner.”

Sheridan College has officially launched its new brand campaign, unlock. The campaign emphasizes the programs and opportunities that Sheridan offers in order to prepare learners for futures in a complex, technology driven world. The campaign is built upon three pillars: unlock learning, unlock community, and unlock impact. Starting this week, the campaign will be demonstrated through a new Digital Viewbook, as well as on social media platforms, billboards, and more.

Several postsecondary institutions have unveiled Indigenous artworks, art installations, and other symbols on campus in time for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Georgian College’s Campus Gallery is exhibiting the work of Nishnaabekwe interdisciplinary artist and college alum Aylan Couchie. The exhibition includes pieces she created while studying at Georgian, which aim to provoke conversations about culture, legacy, and healing. Lakehead University introduced an outdoor Every Child Matters installation, which features seven white eagle feathers–embodying the Seven Sacred Teachings–on an orange background to commemorate survivors and those who passed away. The University of Manitoba installed a heart garden with notes expressing empathy and commitment to reconciliation. The University of Victoria—which has installed memorial banners in past years to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation—has permanently raised a Survivors’ Flag.

The University of Ottawa is partnering with Cisco to provide engineering students with job-ready training for careers in IT and cybersecurity. As part of this partnership, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification will be integrated into UOttawa’s Computer and Software Engineering curriculum. “The CCNA certification is the industry standard stamp of approval for IT networks jobs,” explained UOttawa Professor Guy-Vincent Jourdan. Cisco will also supply equipment to the university’s Cyber Range to support cybersecurity research. This partnership aims to help close Canada’s skills gap by strengthening ties between the public and private sectors and building a robust pipeline of IT and cybersecurity talent.

NSCAD University has announced a six-year fundraising campaign to support its two-phases of the port reunification project. The first phase involves a $25M renovation of the existing Port Campus, while the second includes developing the consolidated campus in Halifax Port’s sheds 22 and 23, estimated to cost $75M. To drive this initiative, NSCADU has formed a campaign team to inspire support for the new arts district. “Faculty and students receiving more support, increasing the quality of education and learning opportunities, providing access and removing barriers for talented students, and bringing NSCAD back onto the world stage are our ultimate goals,” said NSCADU Chief Philanthropy Officer Kara Holm.