Strategic Plan Consultation

Building on the University of Regina’s history as a leader in Indigenous engagement and education, the Office of Indigenous Engagement, led by Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, developed an Indigenous engagement strategic plan. The strategic plan identifies actions to break down barriers and empower Indigenous peoples and communities by reviewing university practices, policies, and process.

Decolonizing the university teaching, research, learning and services will take time and meaningful collaboration with the university community and Treaty 4 and 6 First Nations and Métis communities. Students, staff, and First Nation and Métis community members were invited to share their thoughts and perspectives on actions and changes that will ensure the University of Regina continues to be a welcoming and safe campus for all.

The United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice all have a role in ensuring true systemic change. Work towards the creation of an Indigenous engagement strategic plan will align with the three documents and the University of Regina’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, All Our Relations, kahkiyaw kiwâhkômâkaninawak.

Developing an Indigenous engagement strategic plan requires inclusive and meaningful conversations about the university systems, opportunities for improvements and acknowledging truths and experiences of everyone on campus. Guiding conversations and decisions throughout the process will be the University of Regina’s values of mutual respect, honesty, and integrity; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Indigenous ways of knowing; and community and social responsibility.

Staying true to, and living the university’s values, an Advisory Group has been created that will support and guide engagement and development of the plan. The Advisory Group is made up of six members, including students, academic staff, and First Nation and Métis members.

Students, staff, board, executives, deans, academic staff and Treaty 4 and 6 First Nations and Métis communities are essential and will play a critical role in the creation of an innovative and transformational Indigenous engagement strategic plan.

Since January 2023, various opportunities were available for students, faculty, and Indigenous communities to share ideas that further support academic Indigenization, Indigenous-centred research, governance and administration, student success, and community engagement.

Conversations and engagement focused on rebuilding relationships with Indigenous communities, acknowledging truths and advancing Indigenous excellence. A total of 15 engagement opportunities, in-person and virtual were scheduled. Due to limited interest, in-person community engagements were cancelled. In addition, one-on-one interviews were available to participants wishing for independent conversations to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas.

The feedback gained through these various engagement opportunities can collectively decolonize the teaching, research, learning and services. Thank you to everyone that participated and shared valuable insights and understanding to help shape a more welcoming and safe campus for all.