A message from Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement), Dr. Michael Hart

In November of 2017, the University of Calgary launched its Indigenous strategy ii’ taa’poh’to’p. Through ways of knowing, doing, connecting, and being ‒ creates parallel paths for reconciliation through education. The first step in our individual and collective journey is to engage in learning opportunities about the impact of colonization, and the lingering intergenerational effects of the residential school system. This system, enforced by law for approximately 150 years, was a key assimilation tactic of colonization rooted in racism, creating socio-cultural inequities for Indigenous peoples in Canadian society.

It is important for us, as an academic institution, to strive towards a transformative education system that recognizes, respects, and creates space for Indigenous experiences, knowledge, languages, and cultures. Coming together to, listen, learn, and reflect on the legacy of residential schools is an opportunity to open our minds, our hearts, and our communities to a better future where every child matters.