On anniversary of Indigenous strategy launch UCalgary celebrates increase in Indigenous Engagement

Calgary, AB – In 2017 the University of Calgary launched its Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, dedicated to the guiding principles of finding truth and building reconciliation through teaching and learning. On November 27 the Office of Indigenous Engagement will host an ii’ taa’poh’to’p Journey Update event, named Circle of Relatives, which will mark UCalgary’s seven years of transformation by renewing and celebrating our continued journey of discovery and change. 

UCalgary is dedicated to fostering authentic relationships with Indigenous communities by creating a teaching, learning, and research environment that supports the sharing of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge systems in a safe space. Key to this safe, ethical space is Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples becoming relatives through mutual understanding, compassion, and respect.  

“All of creation are our relatives. We are part of many different circles that interact as they work together as a circle of relatives. Through ii’ taa’poh’to’p, we are learning to work together as a circle of relatives.” 

Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, Piikani elder and cultural advisor 

In 2023-2024 the university saw more than $4.3 million disbursed to approximately 433 self-identified Indigenous graduate and undergraduate students in awards, bursaries and scholarships including $1.4 million in designated bursaries from the Province of Alberta. More than $10.5 million in new tri-council, non-tri-council and joint tri-council Indigenous focused research funding was received in 2023-2024 bringing the Indigenous focused research funding to more than $42 million since 2018. 3.9 percent of the student population self-identifies as Indigenous, an increase from 3.6 per cent in 2023 showing a continued upward trend. 

“After seven years of living into ii' taa'poh'to'p at the University of Calgary, we remain deeply committed to walking the path of reconciliation.  By embracing the concept of the 'circle of relatives,' which emphasizes interconnectedness and mutual support within a community, we continue to strengthen our community bonds and together are co-creating a campus culture of belonging.” 

Dr. Sandra Davidson, PhD, Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

Keynote speaker at the event will be Willie Ermine, Neyhiyaw from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation and an Emeritus Professor with the First Nations University of Canada best known for his multiple papers on ethical spaces will give his talk on gifted spaces. 

What: 2024 ii’ taa’poh’to’p Journey Update: Circle of Relatives (event updating the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy)  

When: Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 12:00 to 1:45 p.m.  

Where: MacEwan Hall Ballroom, UCalgary     

Who: Media interviews available upon request  

Media Inquiries  

Dean Parthenis
Director, Media, Issues and Outreach
403.629.5806
dparthen@ucalgary.ca

Jacqueline Sinnett
Communications Advisor, Media, Issues and Outreach
403-389-3476
jmsinnet@ucalgary.ca  

The University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, is a commitment to deep evolutionary transformation by reimagining ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being. Walking parallel paths together, “in a good way,” UCalgary is moving toward genuine reconciliation and Indigenization.  

About the University of Calgary 
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 37,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. UCalgary is the top start-up creator among Canadian universities over the past five years. Start something today at the University of Calgary. 

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