Open Letter to University Presidents from Indigenous Faculty Members and Allies
February 11th, 2018
To Presidents of Canadian post-secondary institutions,
We the undersigned extend this letter to Universities Canada (especially to the presidents of the institutions they represent), urging your commitment and support in the wake of the trial of Gerald Stanley. We call upon you to take appropriate measures to ensure that Indigenous students, faculty and staff are safe now and in the future. Such measures include increasing the antiracist and decolonial education of all faculty, staff and students in all areas of professional change. This urgent need has also been noted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the United Nation Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and several justice inquiries.
Gerald Stanley was charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation. The jury, selected by the Crown and Defense and comprised entirely of visibly non-Indigenous people, acquitted Stanley of all charges, leaving no one accountable for Mr. Boushie’s death. The judicial process in this case, and subsequent decision to acquit Gerald Stanley is a travesty of justice.
The events leading up to the trial, the trial itself, and the subsequent public responses have only served to confirm what we as Indigenous faculty already know — that in the eyes of Canada, Indigenous lives are worth less than non-Indigenous lives and less than personal property. It is very clear as well that without a jury of our peers the current judicial system is stacked against us.
This is yet another iteration of the systemic violence that Indigenous peoples in this country have faced for over 150 years. For many of us, this case has highlighted the challenges of working towards change from within the institutions that have looked upon our deaths with impunity, both historically and in the present. We see here that Canadian institutions are still not adequately equipped to provide Indigenous peoples with fair, equitable experiences comparable to those of the broader public.
Our students, our selves, our relations and our communities have been impacted (and some traumatized) by these judicial processes, which speak to the deeply rooted assumptions and biases that Canada holds towards us. These biases and assumptions are not just on an individual level, but are systemic and thereby institutionalized. They exist in everyday interactions, language, policy, strategic planning priorities, funding, and other practices.
In the current era of reform called ‘reconciliation’ we are holding our respective educational institutions to task. We expect post-secondary institution leadership to respond to the Stanley verdict, to address the impact it has on Indigenous students and campus communities, and to be prepared to address systemic and structural racism within its educational systems and practices.
We, the undersigned, call on you as presidents and heads of your respective institutions to urge your leadership, faculty and staff to undertake a meaningful and in-depth review of your institution’s relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities by:
- Supporting Indigenous peoples during and beyond this time of deep pain, grief and rage
The death of Mr. Boushie and the subsequent trial have been traumatizing for his family, the youth who were with him at the time of his death, and Indigenous communities across Canada. The institutional failure to provide justice as well as the racist and hate-filled responses by many non-Indigenous Canadians have left many of us concerned about the safety of students, faculty and staff who identify as Indigenous and how this climate will manifest in the campus environment. We are also deeply concerned about the social and political climate that will continue to be faced by our children and future generations. We call on the leadership within your institutions to support Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and administrators during and beyond this difficult time.
2. Identifying systemic barriers and taking actions to enhance institutional accountability towards Indigenous peoples and communities
Institutional commitments to Indigenization and reconciliation cannot be achieved through the reconciliation of Indigenous experiences with those of the Canadian population when that society continues to demonstrate a marked lack of respect and concern for Indigenous lives. The establishment of relationships of peaceful co-existence and the protection of land and culture, envisioned in the numbered Treaties, requires deep systemic and structural change to existing institutions. Reconfiguring Indigenous peoples’ experiences within these institutions requires a commitment to supporting the revitalization of Indigenous systems of law, governance, education, pedagogies, spirituality, and ways of living in relationship with other living beings. It also means respecting and supporting Indigenous self-determination and the right to tell our own stories as upheld by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Article 31).
3. Supporting anti-oppressive education
Shift curriculum, policy, practice and research focuses so that it is meaningful and recognizes and validates Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogies. This means rejecting the tokenization of Indigenous peoples or supporting “one off” diversity initiatives that promote narratives of multiculturalism or those that romanticize our cultures. For our lives and the lives of queer people, and other people of colour to be respected and safe we need structural and institutional commitment to understandings of history and struggle in relation to and with each other. This must include required critical anti-racist and anti-colonial graduate and undergraduate courses in all the human services professions, including support for scholarships and fellowships that will signal institutional commitment.
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Lori Campbell, Cree-Métis
Director, Indigenous Initiatives
University of Waterloo
Alex Wilson, Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Professor
Department of Educational Foundations
University of Saskatchewan
Sherry Farrell Racette (Metis/Timiskaming Algonquin)
Associate Professor
Department of Visual Arts, MAP
University of Regina
Verna St Denis (Cree and Metis)
Professor
Department of Educational Foundations
University of Saskatchewan
Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark
Associate Professor
Political Science
University of Victoria
Gina Starblanket, Star Blanket Cree Nation
Assistant Professor
Native Studies / Women’s and Gender Studies
University of Manitoba
Marie Battiste, Potlotek First Nation
Professor
Educational Foundations
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
Winona Wheeler, Fisher River Cree Nation, Treaty 5 Territory
Associate Professor
Indigenous Studies
College of Arts & Sciences
University of Saskatchewan
Audra Simpson, Kahnawake
Professor
Department of Anthropology
Columbia University
Leonie Pihama,
Associate Professor, Director Te Kotahi Research Institute
University of Waikato
Hamilton, New Zealand
Sarah Hunt, Kwagiulth (Kwakwaka’wakw)
Assistant Professor
Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies
University of British Columbia
Réal Carrière, Cumberland House
Lecturer
Political Studies
University of Saskatchewan
Sandy Grande
Professor
Education
Connecticut College
New London, CT 06320
Chantal Fiola, Métis Nation
Assistant Professor
Urban and Inner-City Studies
University of Winnipeg
Dallas Hunt, Cree (Wapisewsipi)
Lecturer
Native Studies
University of Manitoba
Raven Sinclair, George Gordon First Nation
Associate Professor
Faculty of Social Work
University of Regina (Saskatoon)
Marlyn Bennett, Sandy Bay First Nation
Assistant Professor
Masters of Social Work Based in Indigenous Knowledges
Faculty of Social Work
University of Manitoba
Robert Innes (Cowessess First Nation)
Associate Professor
Department of Indigenous Studies
University of Saskatchewan
Shawn Wilson, Opaskwayak Cree Nation
Director of Research
Gnibi Wandarann
Southern Cross University, Australia
Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Michi Saagiig Nishnaabekwe
Distinguished Visiting Professor
Ryerson University
Rebecca Sockbeson, Penobscot Indian Nation & Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
Associate Professor, Educational Policy Studies
Acting Coordinator, Indigenous Peoples Education (IPE) Graduate Specialization
University of Alberta
Karla Jessen Williamson, Inuk
Assistant Professor
Department of Educational Foundations
University of Saskatchewan
Evelyn Steinhauer, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
Associate Professor, Educational Policy Studies (IPE)
Director, Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP)
University of Alberta
Reginald Cardinal, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
Assistant Dean
Faculty of Native Studies
University of Alberta
Dwayne Donald, Papaschase Cree
Associate Professor
Faculty of Education
University of Alberta
Kim TallBear
Canada Research Chair
Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience and
Environment
Faculty of Native Studies
University of Alberta
Noella Steinhauer, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Education
University of Alberta
Patsy Steinhauer, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Education
University of Alberta
Susan M. Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River
Director/Associate Professor
Centre for Indigenous Studies/History
University of Toronto
Lianne Marie Leda Charlie, Northern Tutchone
Instructor, Political Science
Yukon College
Gail MacKay, Anishinaabe Metis
Assistant Professor
Department of Curriculum Studies
University of Saskatchewan
Sakej Henderson, IPC
Native Law Centre
University of Saskatchewan
Mary Jane Logan McCallum, Munsee Delaware
Professor
Department of History
University of Winnipeg
Cary Miller, Anishinaabe
Head/Associate Professor
Department of Native Studies
University of Manitoba
Sylvia McAdam Saysewahum
Faculty
Yellowhead Tribal College
Edmonton
Janice Makokis, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Treaty No 6
Faculty instructor,
Faculty of Extension University of Alberta
Daniel Sims, Tsay Keh Dene
Assistant Professor
Augustana Campus
University of Alberta
Dale Turner, Teme-Augama Anishinaabe
Associate Professor of Government and of Native American Studies
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH 03755
Martin Cannon (Grand River Territory)
Associate Professor
Social Justice Education
OISE/ University of Toronto
Lina Sunseri (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Turtle Clan)
Associate Professor
School of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Brescia University College
Lana Whiskeyjack
Assistant professor
Faculty of Extension
University of Alberta
Robyn Bourgeois (Cree)
Assistant Professor
Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies
Brock University
Lois Edge
Instructor, Bachelor of Education
Aurora College - Thebacha Campus
Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Jeannette Sinclair (Sakaw Cree)
Academic Coordinator
Faculty of Education
University of Alberta
Jeffrey Paul Ansloos, Fisher River Cree Nation - Treaty 5 Territory
Assistant Professor, Indigenous Mental Health and Social Policy
Applied Psychology and Human Development
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education–University of Toronto
James Kuptana, Inuvialuit
Indigenization Strategy Specialist, Learner Success Services
Bow Valley College
Calgary AB
Niigaan Sinclair (Anishnaabe)
Department of Indigenous Studies
University of Manitoba
Gabrielle Lindstrom (Blackfoot Confederacy), Kainaiwa First Nation
Assistant Professor, Indigenous Studies
Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB.
Brenda Gunn (Metis, Manitoba)
Associate Professor, Robson Hall Faculty of Law
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Beverley Jacobs, (Mohawk, Six Nations Grand River Territory)
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law
University of Windsor, Windsor, ON
Jan Hare
Associate Dean, Indigenous Education
Associate Professor
University of British Columbia
ᐋᐧᐱᒪᐦᐃᐦᐣ
Shannon M Houle
Master’s of Indigenous Languages Student Candidate
University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į
nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills
Lindsay Morcom (Algonquin Metis)
Aboriginal Teacher Education Programm Coordinator
Assistant Professor
Queen’s University
Malcolm King, PhD, FCAHS
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation
Professor, Dept. of Community Health & Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan
Scientific Director, SCPOR - Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research
Bonnie Freeman, PhD (Algonquin/Mohawk, Six Nation`s)
Assistant Professor & Chair for Circle of Indigenous Social Work Action
School of Social Work
McMaster University
Linda Diffey, Peepeekisis Cree Nation
Coordinator, Indigenous Health Curriculum Development
Max Rady College of Medicine,
University of Manitoba
Barry Lavallee MD, CCFP, FCFP, MClSc (Saulteaux/Metis)
Director
Ongomiizwin-Education
Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Treena Delormier (Mohawk, Kahnawake)
Associate Professor, School of Human Nutrition
Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
McGill University
Moneca Sinclaire (Opaskwayak Cree Nation)
Associate Postdoctoral Fellow
College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Fred J. Shore
Assistant Professor
Department of Native Studies
University of Manitoba
Tracey King, Wasauksing First Nation
Indigenous Human Resources Consultant & Instructor
Human Resources Department
Ryerson University
Camille Callison
Indigenous Services Librarian
University of Manitoba
Harlan Pruden (First Nations Cree)
Ph.D. Student
Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program
University of British Columbia
Lila Pine, Mi’kmaq
Saagajiwe Co-director
Faculty of Communication and Design
Ryerson University
In solidarity (non Indigenous allies)
Jaskiran Dhillon
Assistant Professor, Global Studies and Anthropology
The New School
Jacob Mans
Assistant Professor,
School Architecture
University of Minnesota
Janet McVittie
Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Foundations
University of Saskatchewan
Paul Orlowski
Associate Professor
Educational Foundations
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
Lynn Lemisko
Professor
Educational Foundations
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
Karina Hodoyán
Associate Professor
College of Arts & Sciences
University of San Francisco
Geraldine Balzer
Assistant Professor
Curriculum Studies
University of Saskatchewan
Susan Roy
Associate Professor
Department of History
University of Waterloo
Linda Warley
Associate Dean, Graduate Studies
Faculty of Arts
University of Waterloo
Sara Carpenter
Assistant Professor
Department of Educational Policy Studies
University of Alberta
Marcia McKenzie
Professor
Department of Educational Foundations
University of Saskatchewan
Sorouja Moll
Definite Term Lecturer
Department of Drama and Speech Communication
University of Waterloo
Jennifer Kelly
Professor
Department of Educational Policy Studies
University of Alberta
Shahrzad Mojab
Professor
Department of Leadership, Higher, and Adult Education
University of Toronto
Craig A. Campbell
Assistant Professor
Lifelong Learning and Adult Education Program
Department of Learning and Performance Systems
The Pennsylvania State University
Adele Perry, FRSC
Professor, History, and Senior Fellow, St John’ College
University of Manitoba
Dianne Miller,
Professor, Educational Foundations
College of Education, University of Saskatchewan
Dip Kapoor,
Professor, Theoretical, Cultural & International Studies in Education
Department of Educational Policy Studies
University of Alberta
Alexandre Da Costa
Assistant Professor
Department of Educational Policy Studies
University of Alberta
Dia Da Costa
Associate Professor
Department of Educational Policy Studies
University of Alberta
Anthony Paré
Professor and Head
Language and Literacy Education
University of British Columbia
Anna Lydia Svalastog
Professor of psychosocial work
Department of Health and Social Work
Østfold University College, Norway
Steven Jordan
Associate Professor
Department of Integrated Studies in Education
McGill University
Quebec
Jamie Magnusson, Associate Professor
Adult Education and Community Development
OISE, University of Toronto
Shaun Murphy
Professor
Educational Foundations
College of Education
University of Saskatchewan
Jeanie Wills,
Assistant Professor
Graham School of Professional Development,
College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Roxanne Harde
Professor of English, Associate Dean (Research)
Augustana Faculty
University of Alberta
Aziz Choudry
Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in social movement learning and knowledge production
Integrated Studies in Education
McGill University
Rebekah Bennetch
Lecturer
Graham School of Professional Development,
College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Erin Weinberg
Adjunct Professor
Augustana Faculty
University of Alberta
Kathleen James-Cavan
Associate Professor
Department of English
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A5
Corey Owen
Assistant Professor, Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development
College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan
Brian Rempel
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Augustana Faculty
University of Alberta
John Moffatt
Associate Professor
Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development
College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan
Sandra Terry
Lecturer
Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development
College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan
John Wiebe
Director of Choral Activities
Augustana Faculty
University of Alberta
Jodey Castricano,Associate Professor
Department of Critical Studies
University of British Columbia, Okanagan.
Fred J. Shore
Assistant Professor
Department of Native Studies
University of Manitoba
Donna Martin
Associate Professor
College of Nursing
University of Manitoba
Michelle Hartman
Professor
Institute of Islamic Studies
McGill University
Marc Spooner
Professor,
Faculty of Education
University of Regina
Joseph Wiebe
Assistant Professor
Augustana Faculty
University of Alberta
James McNinch,
Professor Emeritus
Faculty of Education
University of Regina
Shirley Thompson
Associate professor
Natural Resources Institute
University of Manitoba
Darius Stonebanks
Professor, School of Education
Bishop’s University
Philip Howard
Assistant Professor
Integrated Studies in Education
McGill University
Abigail B. Bakan
Department of Social Justice Education
OISE
University of Toronto
Shawna Ferris
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator
Women’s and Gender Studies
University of Manitoba
Peter Kulchyski
Professor
Department of Native Studies
University of Manitoba
Crystal Manyfingers
Indigenous Consultant to Curriculum
Humanities and School of Health and Wellness
Bow Valley College, Calgary, AB.
John Willinsky
Professor (Part-time)
School of Publishing
Simon Fraser University
Jasminka Kalajdzic
Associate Professor
Faculty of Law
University of Windsor
Michael Anthony Hart
Professor
Faculty of Social Work
University of Manitoba
Gemma Smyth
Associate Professor
Faculty of Law
University of Windsor
Anneke Smit
Associate Professor
Faculty of Law
University of Windsor
David M Tanovich
Professor
Faculty of Law
University of Windsor
Reem Bahdi
Associate Professor
Faculty of Law
University of Windsor
Lisa Taylor
Full Professor
School of Education
Bishop’s University
Jocelyn Thorpe
Associate Professor
Women’s and Gender Studies, History
University of Manitoba
Avril Aitken
Professor & Chair
School of Education
Bishop’s University
Vanessa de Oliveira Andreotti
Professor
Dept. of Educational Studies
University of British Columbia
Sujith Xavier,
Assistant Professor & Director of Transnational Law and Justice Network
Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
Chris Hiller
Adjunct Professor
Peace and Conflict Studies
Conrad Grebel University College
University of Waterloo
Elizabeth (Liz) Carlson
Assistant Professor
School of Social Work
Laurentian University
Rachel Hurst
Associate Professor
Women’s and Gender Studies
St. Francis Xavier University
Annette Schultz
Associate Professor
College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Patrick Lewis
Professor
Faculty of Education
University of Regina
Josée G. Lavoie,
Professor, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Manitoba
Benita Cohen
Associate Professor
College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Elizabeth McGibbon
Professor
Rankin School of Nursing
St. Francis Xavier University
Kim Misfeldt
Professor
Augustana Campus
University of Alberta
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