The discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School has brought into stark focus the urgent need to face the truth as we strive toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. As Florence Glanfield, vice-provost (Indigenous programming and research), reminds us in her powerful letter to the U of A community, "Universities must be committed to mobilizing the truth about the Indian Residential Schools realities."
That commitment is reflected in the U of A's recognition of National Indigenous History Month, the themes of the virtual 2021 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences happening this week, and in the fruitful partnership we renewed with the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Rupertsland Institute to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Canada's first Métis-specific academic research centre. It is also reflected in the work the university is doing to build and nurture positive relationships with Indigenous communities, to support the work to Indigenize curricula, and to foster a supportive environment for Indigenous faculty, students and staff.
