Education

4 Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, December 5, 2015 T he University of Winnipeg is increasingly renowned for its progressive ideas, socially-just values, innovative research and community-minded impact — all of which emanate from its people: students, faculty, staff and alumni. UWinnipeg is now one of the first universities in the country to mandate that all students have a baseline knowledge about indigenous people and culture. Approved last month by the university's senate, the new Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR) makes indigenous learning part of the undergraduate degree requirements for all new UWinnipeg students, beginning in the fall of 2016. This decision exemplifies the university's leadership in responding to the recommendations made in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), while its spirit epitomizes the diversity-minded approach of the UWinnipeg community and its commitment to leading indigenous inclusion. The ICR proposal was originally brought forth in February by the University of Winnipeg Students' Association (UWSA) and the Aboriginal Students' Council, in consultation with the university's Indigenous Advisory Council. To fulfil the requirement, students may choose from a number of three credit-hour courses in which the greater part of the content is local indigenous material — derived from or based on an analysis of the cultures, languages, history, ways of knowing or contemporary reality of the indigenous peoples of North America. Graduation requirements for current UWinnipeg students will not be affected, nor will the number of credit hours required to graduate. While a university education rooted in the liberal arts provides graduates with skills needed for success in the modern workplace, it also provides a breadth of knowledge that helps learners see the big picture. This advantage will be heightened by an academic experience that is also grounded in a richer understanding of the Treaty 1 territory in which it is delivered. "This knowledge will help our students to understand the contributions indigenous people have made to our world, and prepare them to engage in a society where reconciliation with indigenous peoples is an important reality," said Dr. Annette Trimbee, UWinnipeg president and vice chancellor. "Education plays a huge role in advancing reconciliation. In every field, from science to business to education, engaging with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples is the new reality in this country. I'm very proud to say our students will be better prepared for that environment and that will be a competitive advantage for them," said Wab Kinew, associate vice-president, Indigenous Affairs. In the coming months, a full list of courses that qualify for the ICR will be determined by academic departments for selection by new students who register for the 2016-17 school year. Those who choose to begin their study at the University of Winnipeg in September have the opportunity to be a part of the history-making, first class to graduate with a degree that includes this progressive requirement. "Students will have the opportunity to learn about indigenous perspectives and build positive relations with indigenous peoples," said Sadie- Phoenix Lavoie, co-president of the Aboriginal Students' Council at UWinnipeg. "This is one step of many we must take together." ■ uwinnipeg, a leadeR in indigenous inClusion UniveRsiTy of Winnipeg "UWinnipeg is now one of the first universities in the country to mandate that all students have a baseline knowledge about indigenous people and culture." Education plays important role in advancing reconciliation Top: The Aboriginal Student Services Centre (ASSC) at UWinnipeg. Bottom: UWinnipeg graduates will be better prepared for engaging with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada. photos by Cory aronec

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