Georgian College takes steps toward Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenization strategy
Georgian College takes steps toward Truth and Reconciliation through a new Indigenization strategy launched this week.
Titled Maajiishkaadaa, meaning let's move forward together, the strategy focuses on six pillars aimed at adding Indigenous elements to the school and building stronger relationships.
The six pillars are Truth and Reconciliation, leadership, representation, community engagement, curriculum and pedagogy, and cultural enrichment – all under the visual representation of an arbour.
An arbour is a familiar structure for Indigenous peoples used in the central area of a Pow Wow.
"I'm pleased that the work done to date in collaboration with the Anishinabe Education and Training Circle is recognized and reflected in this strategy," said Mary-Anne Willsey, Georgian's board of governor's vice-president and Anishinabe Education and Training Circle chair.
"It will be a guiding document for all of us in the Georgian community as we journey together toward a period of reconciliation, and I'm privileged to be part of this journey."
Kevin Weaver, Georgian College president and CEO, said he's already taken steps to Indigenize elements around the school, including its Coat of Arms – adding a four-colour feather added his presidential convocation gown.
"It's important to me that reconciliation isn't a performative act but an authentic step forward," Weaver said.
"We expect to see more positive and mindful changes across the college as we launch this new Indigenization strategy and move forward on the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.
"Georgian is a learning institution, and we're here to grow – both students and employees. Together, with Indigenous partners, we'll all continue to learn and unlearn."
The college has several initiatives it hopes to achieve shortly as part of the new two-year Indigenization strategy.
Initiatives include "establishing an E-Zhinoomaagejig Reconcili-action Guiding Circle, rolling out a 4 Seasons of Reconciliation learning module for employees and a revised recruitment plan that increases self-identified Indigenous college employees," as stated in a recent press release.
Other initiatives include "meaningful integration of Indigenous content across all academic areas, and an increased physical and virtual presence of Indigenous languages, values, peoples, ways of knowing, symbols, esthetics, and procedures."
Anishnaabe artist and visual storyteller Emily Kewageshig recently unveiled her painting - Across the Horizon - which is on display at the Owen Sound campus.
Georgian College unveils new Indigenous artwork at the Owen Sound Campus to coincide with the launch of a new Indigenization strategy. The artwork was created by Anishnaabe artist and visual storyteller Emily Kewageshig. (Provided/Georgian College)
Once the two years are up, the college will determine its progress and what it plans to do next.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake’s Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.