Office of Indigenous Engagement

The Reconciliation Action Committee (RAC) came into existence when the TRC Working Group decided to reorganize itself as a sub-committee of the University Executive Team in 2019. This group includes faculty and staff from across several faculties and units. RAC strives to recognize the conciliatory actions of many other units and individuals at the University, while also providing a platform to lead and support truth and reconciliation throughout the University of Regina and its federated colleges as well as in the many communities with which we collaborate. Ultimately, RAC encourages everyone, regardless of their units or positions, to think of different ways of contributing to reconciliation

More recently, RAC is focused on truth and reconciliation education and mutual education, with a view to concrete action as an outcome of events, advocacy, and collaborations. They are also committed to work alongside the Office of Indigenous Engagement. U of R community members are encouraged to inform Scott J. Wilson (chair of RAC) of relevant initiatives, projects, and activities so that they can offer help, volunteers, promotion, and, budget permitting, financial support. 

4 Seasons of Reconciliation

As part of the University’s continued commitment to move the process of Reconciliation forward on our campuses and in the wider community, thanks to Human Resources, the Office of Indigenous Engagement, and several other units, the previous web-based English and French “4 Seasons of Reconciliation” training programs have now been transferred into UR Courses.

Housing the programs within UR Courses will enhance ease of use for faculty and staff in several ways, but perhaps more importantly, it will allow instructors to incorporate the post-secondary education version of the program into curriculum, free of charge, for students.

Eagle Staff

Elder Roy Bison and his son Teddy Bison, a student in the U of R Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance, presented U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons with an Eagle staff in 2017.

With this honour comes great responsibility for the appropriate care of the Eagle staff. The Office of Indigenous Engagement is responsible for this care.

Honoraria

When inviting Indigenous Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, or Old Ones onto campus to provide in-class presentations on Indigenous cultures, traditions, or histories, to perform ceremonies, or for other university business, it is expected that their time be compensated and their knowledge be recognized.

Please refer to Respectful Engagement with Elders for guidance in regard to engaging in these traditions and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Territorial Acknowledgement

The University of Regina and its federated colleges are on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories — the homelands of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda peoples, and Michif/Métis nation.

We recognize that, as an institution founded by settlers, we benefit from being on this land. We are grateful for the privilege to learn, teach, and work here. We demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and world views in our research, teaching, and studies to ensure that there are increased economic, social, and creative opportunities for current and future generations. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and build a more inclusive future.

Tobacco

Tobacco is a sacred medicine for Indigenous peoples and it has many uses. It is often used in ceremony, for prayer, or to request guidance, teachings, or the sharing of knowledge and instructions from an Elder/Knowledge Keeper. In academic Indigenization, the protocol of offering tobacco is regularly practiced when making a request to an Elder/Knowledge Keeper. For these purposes, tobacco should be offered, if appropriate, when a request is made of an Elder/Knowledge Keeper to share their knowledge. This can include the ancestral, traditional, or Indigenous-centered knowledge that can be shared through teachings, story-telling, prayers and a feast.

When an offer of tobacco is made, it demonstrates that the request is genuine, respectful, and sincere. It is an act of appreciation and dedication to the Elder/Knowledge Keeper and their vast knowledge. When an offer of tobacco is made and accepted by an Elder/Knowledge Keeper, a verbal contract has been made and both the requestor and the Elder/Knowledge Keeper ought to follow through with the agreement.

It is recommended that ceremonial tobacco be purchased. Please speak with the Elder/Knowledge Keeper if they would prefer tobacco be purchased at a local store. Should you choose to gift organic tobacco, you can contact the Office of Indigenous Engagement for information about organic suppliers.