This teaching draws attention and reminds us that the work we undertake today will reflect, and will be taken up by, all of those who come after us. This teaching speaks to the idea that good planning accepts the possibility of disruption and strengthens the relationships and processes that sustain ongoing resilient work. To prepare ourselves to undertake new projects, we are encouraged to reflect on past experiences and commitments, assessing strengths and learning from missteps.
We can’t forget about how our Elders brought us up and taught us. We teach our children and grandchildren to live how we used to live.
Goal
FUNDING, RESOURCES AND CAPACITY ARE SUFFICIENT TO DELIVER SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES, STUDENT SERVICES, PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTS TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY.
To live this teaching and accomplish this goal, our priorities are to:
People
4.1.1 Expand and ensure sustained resourcing for housing, food security, childcare and wellness to offer holistic supports and services to Indigenous students, staff and faculty. (DRIPA Action 4.5c)
4.1.2 Support and sustain Indigenous leadership, participation and programming by creating permanent, continuing and high-level positions across the university. (DRIPA Actions 4.5d & 4.5e)
4.1.3 Revise job descriptions and performance evaluations to prioritize experience and proficiency with Coast Salish protocols, languages and ways of knowing and being.
4.1.4 Ensure flexible, navigable pathways for Indigenous students, staff and faculty to pursue academic and career opportunities, supported by mentorship programs expanding (DRIPA Action 4.2):
- early career mentorship and work-integrated learning opportunities (DRIPA Action 4.2);
- healthy and active alum networks and partnerships (DRIPA Action 4.2); and
- pathways for Indigenous sessional instructors and PhD students to become future faculty. (DRIPA Action 4.2)
Learning and Teaching
4.2.1 Identify areas of educational programming of interest and value in consultation with Indigenous students and communities. (DRIPA Action 4.5a)
4.2.2 Provide sufficient sustainable base funding for programs and courses that respond to community requests, needs, interests and priorities. (DRIPA Action 4.5a)
4.2.3 Review and revise core courses and learning outcomes to ensure students are equipped to respond to relevant national and international Indigenous plans and calls to action. (DRIPA Action 3.5)
4.2.4 Expand Indigenous core curriculum across all programs to ensure students are prepared to address anti-Indigenous racism in their future employment. (DRIPA Action 3.5)
Research and Re-Searching
4.3.1 Provide research mentorship, apprenticeship opportunities and sustained funding for Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students.
4.3.2 Create funding opportunities to support community-initiated projects and to expand capacity to pursue research and knowledge priorities. (DRIPA Action 4.5a)
Governance and Operations
4.4.1 Develop a comprehensive reporting and implementation strategy, ensuring that metrics are transparent, accessible and aligned with the Disaggregated Demographic Data Collection in British Columbia: The Grandmother Perspective. (DRIPA Action 3.14)
4.4.2 Increase Indigenous senior leadership in decision-making across the university, including designated seats for Indigenous representatives on governance bodies. (DRIPA Action 4.5d & 4.5e)