Equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives at Canadian universities
Ryerson University starts process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
Ryerson University has begun building a new foundation of trust and inclusiveness with Indigenous peoples. In January 2018, at a public ceremony attended by some 200 people, it released an action plan based on extensive consultations within the Ryerson community. It represents the university’s official response to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
In its report, the university is committing to seven initial steps towards reconciliation: double the number of Indigenous faculty; increase the number of Indigenous staff; create more pathways for Indigenous students to attend the university; provide more award and scholarship funding for Indigenous students; provide resources for faculty to Indigenize the curriculum; designate outdoor space for Indigenous ceremonies; and commit to raise external funding to create a Ryerson Chair in Reconciliation.
At the ceremony, the university went a step further, committing to creating new tenure-track and staff positions to support the hiring of Indigenous faculty/staff members. It also promised financial support for the expansion of Indigenous cultural awareness throughout campus; a series of Indigenous language courses; and an entry category for Indigenous students, with targets.
