In the run-up to National Indigenous Peoples Day, McGill is launching a new initiative to strengthen Indigenous presence and knowledge on campus as well as to reduce financial barriers for Indigenous scholarship.
Celeste Pedri-Spade, Associate Provost (Indigenous Initiatives), will share the news about the Advancing Indigenous Knowledge and Education Initiative (AIKEI) at a special event celebrating the contributions of the Indigenous communities represented at McGill.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is an occasion to connect, reflect and recognize the incredible work happening across McGill in support of Indigenous students and communities,” said Pedri-Spade.
“We’re thrilled to be able to use it to anchor AIKEI, an initiative that we expect will reduce barriers to Indigenous education and learning across the University.”
Funds for Indigenous engagement and student learning
The new program has two financial streams. One is for all McGill community members seeking to engage Indigenous scholars, Elders and knowledge holders in teaching, learning and community-based activities. This can include inviting Indigenous guests into classrooms, supporting workshops or gatherings and creating opportunities for dialogue and learning that reflect Indigenous perspectives, values and worldviews. The new fund will help ensure Indigenous knowledge holders are appropriately recognized and compensated for their time, travel and contributions across the University.
The other funding stream is to support Indigenous students who want to travel to academic events and community-based learning opportunities.
“Having access to travel funds will encourage Indigenous students to seek out opportunities and conferences that support their learning, research and professional development,” said Brittanny Janvier, Director in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.
“Financial barriers in academia are large. By offering support for Indigenous students, we hope to open more doors for them and support them at all stages of their academic journey.”
Facilitating Indigenous engagement
Another element of the initiative is the provision of a new request form with guidance for those wishing to invite Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers to take part in events at McGill.
“Engaging Indigenous knowledge holders requires care, respect and an understanding of protocols and relationship-building,” said Janvier.
“This initiative helps ensure that members of the McGill community can engage thoughtfully, honour protocols and create meaningful experiences for everyone involved.”
Despite the fact that the Advancing Indigenous Knowledge and Education Initiative is focused on the needs of members of the McGill community, Pedri-Spade said she expects the impacts to be more far-reaching:
“By reducing barriers to education and facilitating opportunities for our students, we hope to encourage a greater understanding of, respect for, and participation in Indigenous scholarship and culture,” said Pedri-Spade.
Applications for funding are open until Aug. 31 for both streams (Visitor/Event and Students). To learn more about the application process, please visit the OII website. Additional calls for applications will be shared with the McGill community during the fall and winter terms.