On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) joins academic staff associations across Canada in honouring survivors of the residential school system.
We remember the children who never returned home and support the families and communities who continue to live with the intergenerational impacts of these injustices.
Although the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Calls to Action more than a decade ago, reconciliation still requires significant work.
In post-secondary education, reconciliation requires collaboration with Indigenous scholars, students, communities and leaders.
CAUT encourages academic staff associations to review their progress in advancing the Indigenization of the academy. Academic staff, universities and colleges must continue efforts to create learning and research environments that respect Indigenous languages, cultures, and ways of knowing.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more just, inclusive and decolonized post-secondary education system. Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility, and we must continue working together to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
CAUT resources:
- Policy statement on Indigenizing the academy
- Checklist on Indigenization of the academy
- Video: Why is Indigenization so important in the academy?
- Guide to Acknowledging First Peoples and Traditional Territory
Source: https://www.caut.ca/news/caut-statement-on-the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2/