Journey of truth and reconciliation

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Georgian College, spread across seven campuses located in central Ontario communities, with four Indigenous resource centres, has incorporated Indigenous-focused education and support services in its learning environment for decades, explains Kevin Weaver, president and CEO. Building on this, the college has recently launched a two-year Indigenization strategy, with the intent of deepening and enhancing efforts “as we continue this journey of truth and reconciliation.”

For Georgian, says Mr. Weaver, “the strategy brings a rejuvenation or renewed energy. It will motivate the institution to take actions that truly move us all – our communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, and staff – forward together.”

Titled, Maajiishkaadaa, from the Anishnaabemowin language, which translates as: “Let’s Move Forward Together,” the guiding document is a culmination of “tremendous collaboration” from Elders, students, staff and the college’s Anishinaabe Education and Training Circle, explains Mr. Weaver. It identifies six overarching pillars or strategic priorities including truth and reconciliation, leadership, representation, community engagement, curriculum and pedagogy, and cultural enrichment.

Key to the strategy, says Mr. Weaver, is the emphasis on what the college has termed “reconciliaction.”

“It’s one thing to have a document and say we’re going to do these things. But for us, it really is about operationalizing that.”

Over the next two years, says Mr. Weaver, the college will continue to amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives throughout the learning environment, consult and engage with community, and transform physical and virtual spaces to reflect Indigenous culture, history and knowledge. The college is looking to establish a dean or director position to head a leadership team to implement the strategy and ensure that “the vision of the Indigenization strategy is considered in all that we do.”

Colleges and Institutes Canada recognized Georgian College as the gold winner of the 2022 Indigenous Education Excellence Award, in part for its innovative use of virtual reality technology to help teach Indigenous languages.

“We’re very proud of the award,” says Mr. Weaver. “It reaffirms our work with the community and our students, and reinvigorated us to launch this new strategy and to build on the momentum.”

The renewed commitment to Indigenization and decolonization at Georgian will “create a place of transformative change for individuals, whether staff, students and other community members,” says Greg McGregor, manager, Indigenous Services, who is based at the Georgian College campus in Barrie. “It’s really about doing what we can to create an environment where we’re all working together.

“Ultimately, we’re doing this for students who can come here, look around and say, ‘I see my culture manifested here. I feel I have a voice here. I can state my beliefs without feeling uncomfortable. I can be who I am.’

“That’s what makes Georgian a college of choice for all students who know that not only can they succeed academically, but maybe more importantly, they’ll feel valued and heard and see they belong, as part of the Georgian community.

“And that’s the overarching goal,” says Mr. McGregor.

To learn more about Georgian’s Indigenization strategy, visit GeorgianCollege.ca/Indigenization.

Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications with Colleges and Institutes Canada. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.