Confederation College Reflects on Shared Responsibility for Reconciliation

Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Confederation College is reflecting on its responsibility to advance reconciliation through sustained action, accountability and learning relationship-building.

Guided by the Negahneewin Vision and the College’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), this responsibility includes strengthening Indigenous participation and leadership in College decision-making, supporting Indigenous students and employees, advancing meaningful inclusion of Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and ways of learning across academic programs, and building respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.

“Reconciliation is a responsibility shared by all of us. It cannot be placed on Indigenous peoples to carry this work forward,” said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College. “As a College, we have a responsibility to listen, to learn and to act. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important time to reflect on that responsibility, but our commitment must be demonstrated in the decisions we make and the work we do throughout the year.”

Indigenous Learning Outcomes (ILOs) have been part of Confederation College’s approach to Indigenous education since 2011, when Negahneewin Council gifted the seven ILOs to the College community. Today, 96 percent of the College’s post-secondary programs have integrated at least one ILO into their curriculum, and 67 percent have integrated all seven.

Building on this foundation, the College is developing a multi-year ILO Implementation Plan to support thoughtful and meaningful implementation of all seven Indigenous Learning Outcomes across academic programs. This work is being led by Jerri-Lynn Orr, Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies, School of Health, Negahneewin & Community Services, in collaboration with faculty, academic leaders and College partners.

The work underway today builds on years of leadership, advocacy and commitment from people across the Confederation College community. Past and present College leaders, the Negahneewin Council, and employees have helped move this work forward over many years, creating a foundation that continues to guide the College’s reconciliation journey.

“Reconciliation is ongoing work that depends on relationships, accountability and action,” said Wendy Landry, Vice President, Indigenous Relations at Confederation College. “Our role is to continue creating space for Indigenous voices, knowledge and ways of learning to guide this work. We have made progress, and we also know there is much more to do.”

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an opportunity to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and reflect on the ongoing impacts of residential schools on Indigenous families and communities. For Confederation College, it is also a reminder that reconciliation requires commitments that extend beyond a single day and are carried forward through relationships, learning, accountability and action throughout the year.