Upcoming Gathering Explores Indigenization Ten Years After the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

In the decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Final Report and Calls to Action, higher education in Canada has changed. But what has the collective experience been for Indigenous students, faculty, staff and leaders?

That’s the question drawing a group of scholars and Indigenous leaders to Hamilton this May, as they gather to reflect on a decade of Indigenization and related scholarship.

The public gathering, Indigenization Post Truth and Reconciliation Commission, takes place May 7 at One James North, bringing together voices from across Canadian higher education for paper sessions, roundtable discussions, and an evening at the Woodland Cultural Centre on the site of the Mohawk Institute, Canada’s longest-operating residential school.

For Indigenous Studies assistant professor Jarita Greyeyes, the lead event organizer, it’s a chance to take stock of what’s been accomplished and to collectively envision more changes for higher education.

“The courage and tenacity of residential school survivors created a pathway for the transformation of the Canadian education system,” said Greyeyes. “In this event, we will learn about how Indigenous faculty, students, staff and leaders have worked diligently to create change within the academy.”

Attendees learn about the various initiatives that have been created in the decade since the release of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from new degree programs and certificates to changing how we think about knowledge itself.

“The work of reconciliation is far from complete, but Indigenous brilliance, resourcefulness and creativity will inspire us to continue to honour survivors and create transformative learning experiences for all,” said Greyeyes.

For more information and to register, head to eventbrite.