(Ottawa – June 21, 2019) The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) marks National Indigenous Peoples Day as a recognition of the diverse cultures, outstanding contributions and unique heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

This year, we acknowledge the recent report on the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG).

The report caps over two years of cross-country hearings including testimony from some 2,000 survivors of violence, their families, and experts, detailing the trauma and marginalization that have devastated many Indigenous communities.

CAUT is committed to restoring, renewing, and regenerating Indigenous practices, languages, and knowledge, and has called for action on the 231 recommendations contained in the report.

Additionally, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has documented many pressing issues facing Indigenous peoples that still require attention. Its report notes the critical role education can play in supporting the reconciliation process.

CAUT continues to urge academic staff associations, and universities and colleges to support indigenizing the academy by working together to establish equitable policies and practices that involve Aboriginal Peoples and Indigenous knowledge in all aspects of campus life.