Indigenization
Indigenization refers to the infusion of Indigenous ideas, values, peoples, symbols, esthetics, procedures and an authentic history into an organization so that it is a product of Indigenous imaginations and aspirations. Georgian College has made Indigenization a priority and aims to enrich our college community with as much Indigenous culture and knowledge as possible.
Indigenization in action
The craft of woodworking
John Rice, a drum maker and story teller from Wasauksing First Nation, spoke to a Cabinetmaking Techniques class about the craft of woodworking and appreciating that the trees each have their own spirit.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Professor Kim Reid has incorporated the Seven Grandfather Teachings into her Communication Essentials course. Enthusiastic to include Indigenization in her teaching, she worked with Georgian’s Indigenization Specialist for guidance.
Orange Shirt Day
Georgian recognized Orange Shirt Day during the week leading up to Sept. 30. Events were held at four campuses with over 100 people taking part to support the initiative. We plan to continue Orange Shirt Day in the years to come.
Indigenization goals at Georgian College
Georgian’s Indigenization goals include:
- enhanced Indigenization of curricula by 2021
- increased Indigenous knowledge-sharing opportunities
- physical campus enhancements with an Indigenous focus
- increased Indigenous-focused campus activities
- increased number of Indigenous students and alumni
Land acknowledgement
Georgian College acknowledges that all campuses are situated on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. The Anishnaabeg include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Georgian College is dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.
Watch the video to learn about the origins of this acknowledgement.
Indigenous education protocol
In 2015, Georgian College signed the Colleges and Institutes Canada, Indigenous Education Protocol recognizing and affirming our responsibility and obligation to Indigenous education.
In signing this protocol Georgian agreed to:
- commit to making Indigenous education a priority.
- ensure governance structures recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.
- implement intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples through curriculum and learning approaches relevant to learners and communities.
- supporting students and employees to increase understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
- commit to increasing the number of Indigenous employees with ongoing appointments, throughout the institution, including Indigenous senior administrators.
- establish Indigenous-centered holistic services and learning environments for learner success.
- build relationships and be accountable to Indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education, training, and applied research.
Indigenous Education Excellence Award
Georgian is extremely proud to be the gold winner of the 2022 Indigenous Education Excellence Award, presented by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
The Indigenous Education Excellence Award recognizes a college or institute that has a demonstrated commitment to Indigenous education through innovative approaches and dedicated structures, curriculum, holistic support services and community partnerships that contribute to learner success, as well as socio-economic development and reconciliation within communities.
Watch a video to learn more about Indigenous initiatives at Georgian, and see the many ways students experience not only academic success, but also personal growth and development for their future lives.
Elders Advisory Circle
The Elders Advisory Circle was founded in 2009 and is an important part of the college community. Indigenous Services holds an Elders Advisory Circle twice a year to share progress and receive advice and insights to better the Indigenous Services offered at Georgian College.
Pictured from left to right are, seated: Shirley John, Emily Norton and Pat Strong. Second row: Pat Whittington, Ernestine Baldwin, Kaila McCormick, Mercedes Jacko, Lorraine McRae, Jennifer Linklater. Back row: Greg McGregor, Terry Sahanatien, Roland St Germain and Verna Porter-Brunelle. Missing: Berdina Johnston , Loretta McDonald, Austen Mixemong
Anishnaabe Education and Training Circle
The Anishinaabe Education and Training Circle (AETC) is a community advisory committee that has undertaken a number of initiatives in partnership with Georgian College since its formation in 1992.
The overall goal of the partnership focuses on increasing the attraction, retention and graduation of students of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) in the post secondary environment.
The AETC is a co-operative initiative among regional Indigenous communities and organizations in the Georgian College catchment area.
The membership currently includes:
- Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle
- Barrie Native Friendship Centre
- Beausoleil First Nation
- Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle
- Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
- Chippewas of Rama First Nation
- Chippewas of Nawash First Nation
- Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre
- Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board
- Métis Nation of Ontario
- Ogemawahj Tribal Council
- Orillia Native Women’s Group
- Saugeen First Nation #29
- Wahta Mohawk Territory
- Wasauksing First Nation
- Elder Representative
- Alumni Representative
- Current student Representative
- Georgian College Representative
- Board of Governors Representative
Resources
Indigenization column archive
The following articles were written by Georgian’s Indigenization Specialist:
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