The University of Regina community is keenly aware of the misrepresentation of Indigeneity by non-Indigenous peoples within academia for the express purposes of accessing grants, gaining positions, filling equity seats, advancing careers, and obtaining rewards and recognition earmarked for Indigenous Peoples.
The University, through the Office of Indigenous Engagement, and led by the Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Engagement) Lori Campbell, has completed in-depth consultations with internal stakeholders, Indigenous scholars, Indigenous communities, and other universities, as well as a review of relevant current reports such as the Teillet Report, compiled at the University of Saskatchewan. Additionally, the Office of IE has actively engaged in the 2022 Indigenous Identity Forum and the 2023 Indigenous Citizenship Forum, co-hosted by the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) and the First Nations University of Canada. Each of these forums brought together over 400 Indigenous academics, Elders, students, and staff to determine wise practices and ways in which institutions can confront Indigenous identity fraud.
The University’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: All Our Relations – kahkiyaw kiwâhkômâkaninawak, has committed to honouring the values of building mutual respect, integrity, and honesty; fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion; advancing its commitment to community and social responsibilities; and proceeding with meaningful action in response to the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Calls to Action. The University recognizes the harm inflicted upon Indigenous peoples within the institution and the broader communities when non-Indigenous people misrepresent Indigeneity. We are therefore in the process of developing policies and processes to address the solution to this issue. In the meantime, the U of R’s Human Resources Department is working closely with the Office of Indigenous Engagement to ensure transparency on hiring where Indigeneity is a determining factor for the position.
The University of Regina acknowledges its commitment to reconciliation and its responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities. As such, we are committed to righting wrongs and moving forward through truth to ensure meaningful and authentic reconciliation.
Read the University’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: All Our Relations – kahkiyaw kiwâhkômâkaninawak.
About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,000 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.