The Algonquin Anishinabeg have a phrase, anda kikenindamàwin, which means seeking to learn. In recent years, the University of Ottawa has shown its commitment to the Indigenization of the institution by seeking to learn from - and work with – Indigenous worldviews. To that effect, the University announced today that it will hire seven additional Indigenous faculty members to join its ranks. The positions will be spread across campus: three at the Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies (Faculty of arts), one at the Faculty of Medicine, one at the Faculty of Law (Civil Law), one at the Faculty of Education, and one at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Establishing a competitive and comprehensive recruitment strategy for hiring Indigenous faculty members is but one part of the University’s Indigenous Action Plan which aims to mobilize the uOttawa community to create an environment that fully reflects and supports Indigenous cultures and peoples on its campuses through structural changes that embrace Indigenization.
As the saying goes, “you can’t be what you can’t see” and that’s precisely why uOttawa welcomes new applicants from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis heritage to join its faculty.
“These Indigenous scholars will be important role-models for the growing number of Indigenous learners on our campus and inspire non-Indigenous students to engage in the work of decolonization and reconciliation,” explained Jill Scott, Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs at the University of Ottawa. “And these professors will instill a sense of belonging for a new generation of Indigenous change-makers by reflecting their culture and worldviews back to them.”
Earlier this month, Elder Claudette Commanda of the Kitigan Zibi Algonquin Anishinabeg First Nation became the University’s first Indigenous Chancellor to date. The University has an Office of Indigenous Affairs, an Institute for Indigenous Research and Studies, five academic programs with an Indigenous focus, three mentorship programs, four research Chairs, the Mashkawazìwogamig (place of strength) Indigenous Resource Centre for students, and focused admission processes for Indigenous students in the faculties of Law, Medicine, and Education.
Fully implementing the recommendations of the Indigenous Action Plan is one of President and Vice-Chancellor Jacques Frémont’s strategic priorities.
“Adding additional Indigenous faculty members to the campus will help enrich our university community, provide learning opportunities for all students, and build important new research programs,” added Brenda Macdougall, Academic Delegate for Indigenous Engagement and Director of the Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies.