About two dozen people sit around a fire pit outside the Indigenous Resource Centre at Georgian's Barrie Campus. A teepee is in the background.

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.

In this section:

Indigenization in action
Our goals
Land acknowledgement
Indigenous education protocol
Elders Advisory Circle
Anishinaabe Education and Training Circle
Resources
Contact us

Indigenous Services Indigenous academic programs Indigenous student self-identification form Ontario Colleges: Addressing Truth and Reconciliation Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Library resource for Indigenization Resources for Georgian employees

Indigenization in action

The craft of woodworking

John Rice, a drum maker and story teller from Wasauksing First Nation, recently spoke to a Cabinetmaking Techniques class about the craft of woodworking and appreciating that the trees each have their own spirit.

Read the full story

Seven Grandfather Teachings, creating a link between positive communications skills and traditional Indigenous culture

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.

Read the full story

Several orange shirts hung on a clothes line between two trees

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. Plans are already underway for Orange Shirt Day in 2019.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day

Georgian College Indigenization goals

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

Read Georgian's Strategic Plan

Elder Lorraine McRae and President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes unveil the Land Acknowledgment plaque on a stone outside at the Barrie Campus — Elder Lorraine McRae and President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes unveil the Land Acknowledgment plaque at the Barrie Campus.

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, Metis 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.

President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes and AETC Chair Kevin Wassegijig sitting at a table signing the Indigenous Education Protocol — President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes and Anishinaabe Education and Training Circle Chair Kevin Wassegijig

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

13 members of the Indigenous Services staff and Georgian's Elder's Advisory Circle

Anishinaabe 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.

AETC terms of reference

The AETC is a co-operative initiative among regional Indigenous communities and organizations in the Georgian College catchment area. The membership currently includes: