(Ottawa – September 30, 2024) On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) and our academic staff associations renew our commitment to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
The day honours survivors of residential schools who were subject to racist abuse and violence. It also commemorates families and communities who have suffered devastating trauma and those who died in residential schools.
CAUT has developed a slate of resources to support the Indigenization work of academic staff associations.
- Policy statement on Indigenizing the academy
- Checklist on Indigenization of the academy
- Video of academic staff discussing why Indigenization is crucial
- Guide to Acknowledging First Peoples and Traditional Territory
On October 4 and 5, CAUT will host its Aboriginal Academic Staff Conference in Regina, Saskatchewan. Indigenous scholars and non-Indigenous allies will take stock of accomplishments and challenges and discuss experiences of Indigenization at Canadian universities and colleges. The theme is “Beyond Words: Translating Indigenization of the Academy into Practice.”
To achieve a more just and decolonized future, we must transform the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations into meaningful action through dialogue and solidarity with Indigenous colleagues and students.