Indigenous Education Protocol

Reaffirming our Commitment to Inclusion and Reconciliation

In a poignant cultural event attended by several Elders and dignitaries, representatives from Northwestern Polytechnic's Circle of Indigenous Students (CIS), and Executive Team signed the Indigenous Education Protocol.

This historic agreement took place on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre, between Cathy Demerais, CIS Vice-President President, Chevayah Ropcean, CIS President and Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP President and CEO, with Dr. Terry Kowalchuk, NWP Provost and Vice-President Academic, states;

Northwestern Polytechnic honours and acknowledges the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, who are the original stewards of this land. We recognize the history of Turtle Island and respect the diverse cultures, languages, histories, experiences, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Our commitment to Indigenous education is grounded in the extensive intellectual wisdom and cultural traditions embedded within Indigenous knowledge systems across Turtle Island.

Through our commitment to nurturing reciprocity, mutual understanding, and empowerment, Indigenous education will strengthen Northwestern Polytechnic’s contribution to improving the lives of learners and communities, enhancing and encouraging a future where every voice is valued and heard through collaborative efforts.

The signatory institution agrees to:

1. Commit to making Indigenous education a priority.
2. Ensure governance structures recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.
3. Build relationships and be accountable to Indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education, training, and applied research.
4. Integrate Indigenous Ways of Knowing and cultural traditions into curriculum and learning approaches, accessible to all learners and communities.
5. Encourage applications from Indigenous individuals for positions in senior administration and throughout the institution.
6. Support students and employees to increase understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
7. Continue to honour and support Indigenous-centered holistic services and learning environments for learner success.
8. Respect and honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action and the United Nations Declarations on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Signatories endorse the intent of these principles and are committed to developing policies, procedures, and practices within their institutions.

Land Acknowledgement

Northwestern Polytechnic acknowledges that our campuses are located on Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral and present-day home to many diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. We are grateful to work, live, and learn on the traditional territory of Duncan's First Nation, Horse Lake First Nation, and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, who are the original caretakers of this land.

We acknowledge the history of this land and we are thankful for the opportunity to walk together in friendship, where we will encourage and promote positive change for present and future generations.