UC Celebrates National Indigenous History Month
As an institution founded on principles of equity, diversity, and belonging, University College (UC) is pleased to celebrate and recognize the importance of National Indigenous History Month. UC acknowledges the ongoing obligations to participate in reparations for Canada’s long history of structural and systemic violence and discrimination, from broken treaties to the residential school system. The recent discovery of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School is a horrific reminder of the devasting impacts of colonialism. These injustices extend into the present, as with the systemic failures of protecting and working to bring justice to the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. Recognizing that understanding and reconciliation begin with education, we have committed to doing better and have made the principles of Indigenous education one of our strategic focal areas. We are striving to make our courses and campus safe and welcoming places for all Indigenous peoples; and to learn by sharing stories that shed light on past and present challenges, as well as Indigenous strengths and successes. National Indigenous History Month provides us with an opportunity to recognize the rich cultural, social, and political contributions that have been made by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. UC honours the strength of the many Indigenous communities that continue to keep alive a diverse range of languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs in spite of the oppression and challenges they face. These communities, and the individuals who comprise them, inspire and give us hope for a more equitable and just society.
Sincerely,
Markus Stock
Principal, University College
For Indigenous students, staff and faculty who may require support at this time, there are a variety of supports available below:
For students:
Indigenous student services
Telus Health Student Support - Student Mental Health Resource (utoronto.ca)
For faculty & staff:
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Reading List: National Indigenous History Month
Artwork was created by graphic designer Mariah Meawasige, also known as Makoose. Her design describes the importance of highlighting a “feeling of celebration, community, healing, and sovereignty. Mark making and the symbol of a hand is such a powerful one in the way that it encapsulates intentionality and presence but also life itself….My hope for centering this mark is to acknowledge what is coming to light now, in the recent news and in the ‘reconciliation’ narrative overall, as both a moment of tragedy and celebration of life.” The seven hands illustrated here symbolize seven generations, and the circle “is a necessary component whenever speaking on sovereignty and indigenous futurity.”