Oki, Aba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Tansi
Ways to get Involved:
Journey to Indigenization 2025 - Call for Presenters and Moderators
We’re pleased to share that we have started planning for the Journey to Indigenization 2025!
Since 2021, the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization has hosted a series of institutional activities annually from Sept. 20 to Oct.4. During this time, Mount Royal University commemorates the signing of Treaty 7, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and Sisters in Spirit Day.
Journey to Indigenization presentations will run from September 22 to September 29 this year and we are looking for presenters and moderators!
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to apply to present or moderate during Journey to Indigenization. This week will commemorate Treaty 7, Truth and Reconciliation Day, Orange Shirt Day, and Sisters in Spirit Day.
Apply by June 3 to get involved!
Faculty and Staff Opportunities:
Wâhkôhtowin Faculty Field School
Faculty members are invited to consider participating in the Wâhkôhtowin faculty field school taking place May 26-29th 2025. Sponsored by the ADC and Office of Indigenization and Decolonization, Dr. Vicki Bouvier and Dr. Joshua Hill will lead a journey to the Métis homelands on the North Saskatchewan river that will involve learning from Métis Elders, sleeping in trapper’s tents; sharing food; getting to know the land, water, and animals; and making a traditional capote. This experience represents an opportunity to unlearn colonialism by attending to relational renewal inspired by the ways of being and knowing of Métis People. The application deadline for this opportunity is February 28th.
First Nations principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession)
Faculty researchers looking to learn more about First Nations' data and information are invited to complete the form below to express their interest. ORSCE and OEDI are gauging interest in hosting a virtual, 4-hour interactive workshop exploring the First Nations principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession).
This session offers researchers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous data sovereignty, consider its historical and contemporary contexts, and explore how to apply OCAP® principles in their research and data management practices. Given the diversity within and across Nations, the principles will be expressed and asserted in line with a Nation’s respective world view, traditional knowledge, and protocols. This virtual workshop can be adapted for flexibility, including a two-day format to accommodate schedules. Please indicate your interest here.
Protocol Engagement and Support Initiative 2025
The Office of Indigenization and Decolonization (OID) will continue the Protocol and Engagement Support Initiative for all faculty and contract faculty in 2025.
This initiative provides up to $500 in funding and non-financial support for campus Indigenization and Decolonization initiatives. Apply here for funding for initiatives that support ceremonial gifting support to engage Elders, Knowledge Keepers, drummers, artists, guest speakers and more.
The application process is ongoing and will remain open year-round. Learn how you can advance meaningful change here.
About Us
The Office of Indigenization and Decolonization provides support and direction for Mount Royal University (MRU) to advance Indigenous student success, support Indigenous staff and faculty, grow and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, advance initiatives in curriculum and research and develop respectful, welcoming spaces on campus.The office is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples principles. These commitments involve building and working within an ethical space where Indigenous perspectives hold equal validity, emphasizing that educational reconciliation is a shared endeavour.
What We Do
The Office of Indigenization and Decolonization advances educational reconciliation at MRU through a commitment to:- Increasing support for faculty in the teaching and learning of Indigenous perspectives and realities.
- Coordinating and supporting the annual Journey to Indigenization event, including recognition of the signing of Treaty 7, Orange Shirt Day, Ani to Pisi (Human Spider Web) and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
- Advancing and sustaining relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, including regular meetings with the Traditional Thinkers Advisory Council.
- Facilitating recruitment and retention strategies for Indigenous faculty and staff.
- Supporting the development and integration of program-focused Indigenous content.
- Activating the renewal of the Indigenous Strategic Plan 2016-2021.
- Supporting Indigenous student success at the Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies and other convocation exercises.