Indigenization

Faculty of Health Sciences Indigenization Committee

The committee will enable faculty, students, and staff in the Faculty of Health Sciences to engage in decolonization and indigenization.

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that we work, learn, and teach on the ancestral and traditional land of the Stó:lō People.

The disturbing announcement of the discovery by Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation people of 215 children buried on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last week is tragic, heart-wrenching, and grievous news. We express empathy and heartfelt compassion to the families, communities, survivors, and all Indigenous peoples who mourn their death. These children were stolen from their families and communities by the Federal government and churches, and never accounted for.

June is National Indigenous History month. This is an opportunity for all of us to listen to stories from Indigenous people and open our hearts and minds to learning more about the living histories of Indigenous people across Turtle Island.

What our committee is doing:

• We have finalized the Response to In Plain Sight and are compiling an action plan
• We have written to relevant Members of Parliament demanding action. Read letter.

What can we all do?

• Faculty can contribute to the action plan in Response to the In Plain Sight report. Instructions and links have been provided via email; please reach out to the committee if you would like additional information.
• If you haven’t already, take the Educator’s Journey Towards Reconciliation, and Weaving Knowledge Systems through UFV Teaching & Learning as offered by Lorna Andrews.
• If you haven’t already, take San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. Click here to register.
• Sign up for the University of Alberta’s Massive Open Online Course: Indigenous Canada 
• Sign up for the University of British Columbia’s Massive Open Online Course: Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
• Write to your MP (Click here to find your MP) with a request for action.
• Read the Calls to Action in its entirety and think of ways to action the spirit of these Calls in ways that are personally meaningful.
• Click here to read other practical ideas that Non-Indigenous people can do.
• Support Tḱemlúps te Secwepemc

Additional learning opportunities during National Indigenous History Month

• Learn more about National Indigenous History Month by checking out the many resources available in diverse formats.
• Check out the collection of films, documentaries, and series assembled by CBC Gem to honour National Indigenous History Month
• Consider reading books by First Nations, Métis and Inuit authors. Click here for 35 book suggestions for National Indigenous History Month

Relevant UFV Programs and Services:

Indigenous Student Centre

Indigenous Studies

We also encourage you to review the following resources:

• The UFV Library's Weaving Knowledge Systems Resource Materials -  A collection of material about Indigenization prepared by the UFV Library.
• The First Peoples Principles of Learning - A site created to help educators in BC understand how they might incorporate the First Peoples Principles of Learning into their classrooms.
• UNDRIP - A framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world.
• UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for Indigenous Adolescents - An exploration of the above declaration written for a young audience.
• TRC Response Strategies for Nursing Education - A document offering direction to schools of nursing specifically.
• Pulling Together: Foundations Guide - Part of a professional learning series developed for staff across post-secondary institutions in BC. 
• Pulling Together: A Guide for Teachers and Instructors - A guide for decolonization, indigenization, and reconcilation specific to teachers and instructors.
• Pulling Together: A Guide for Curriculum Developers - A guide for decolonization, indigenization, and reconcilation specific to curriculum developers.

Current Committee Membership:

Lauren Couture (co-chair) – Associate Professor, Kinesiology

Lorna Andrews - Teaching and Learning Specialist, Indigenization

Erin Sawatzky - Assistant Professor, Certified Dental Assistant Program

Susan Stoneson  - Assistant Professor, BSN Nursing Program

Tsandlia Van Ry - Aboriginal Enhancement Teacher – Chilliwack School District, UFV Alumna