This teaching reminds us of the strengths we find in working collectively, relationally and by consensus. We hold ourselves accountable to each other and by the work ahead, respecting and supporting the different ways we come together. Sharing difficult workloads also means recognizing when we need to step back to care for ourselves and step in to care for others. Centering good relationships in all that we do, this teaching encourages good faith, and honest and accountable approaches to navigating the work to come.
When I learned to carve, my teacher Simon Charlie would always have his doors open. It’s a Coast Salish way. This is how we learn.
Goal
ALL MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY RESPECTFULLY CONTRIBUTE TO A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION.
People
2.1.1 Create strengths-based and relationship-oriented approaches to Indigenous student outreach, admissions, registration, orientation and retention by:
- advising and mentoring Indigenous students at every point of contact, providing navigation services, connection and support (DRIPA Actions 4.2 & 4.4);
- expanding and integrating Indigenous student leadership and mentorship programs at every point of contact, including specific supports for access to STEM programs (DRIPA Action 4.4);
- diversifying assessment practices and learning evaluation models (DRIPA Actions 4.2 & 4.4);
- reducing structural and financial barriers by changing policies and regulations that restrict student access (e.g., residency and full-time status requirements) (DRIPA Actions 4.2 & 4.4);
- increasing opportunities for part-time study and for online and hybrid delivery (DRIPA Action 4.4); and
- expanding supports for off-campus learners (DRIPA Action 4.4).
2.1.2 Review and revise the responsibilities and compensation of Indigenous staff, faculty, administrators and executive to ensure sustainable workloads and to accurately reflect the work of supporting Indigenous colleagues, students, initiatives and community engagement.
2.1.3 Alleviate disproportionate workloads faced by Indigenous staff and faculty by developing robust resourcing and hiring strategies.
Learning and Teaching
2.2.1 Partner with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members to ensure that Indigenous ways of knowing and being are responsibly and respectfully integrated in academic programs across campus.
2.2.2 Offer, resource and sustain opportunities for co-teaching and learning in diverse classroom, community-immersed, place-based and experiential settings. (DRIPA Action 4.5a)
Research and Re-Searching
2.3.1 Expand and support research initiatives and projects by creating sustained funding, granting and fellowship opportunities for Indigenous students, researchers and community members.
Governance and Operations
2.4.1 Develop and implement communications strategies that facilitate cross-campus collaborations, information sharing, resource sharing, transparency and community partnerships, by providing support for faculties, divisions and units to identify and resource required staff positions.