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It is a priority for Memorial University to advance Indigenization and reconciliation within our institution. Similar to other universities across Canada, we are listening to Indigenous academics, leaders and communities in responding to the need, identified by Indigenous groups themselves, to move beyond self-identification within post-secondary institutions.

As part of this work and to be as inclusive as possible in these conversations, we are inviting anyone who self-identifies as Indigenous to participate in the Indigenous verification consultations. The thoughts, ideas, and opinions from all those who participate in these conversations will be captured in a report from First Peoples Group to Memorial University on what they heard. The report will also include recommendations for the university on how to move forward on this matter, and will be shared publicly.

The issue of false claims to Indigeneity is a concern that is being addressed in universities across Canada, and one that Memorial University takes seriously. We are aware of the deep wounds it causes to Indigenous people and communities, as well as the threat it poses to the integrity of Indigenous ways of knowing and being in academic institutions. Preventing this from happening requires establishing and implementing systems that are based on robust consultation with Indigenous Peoples, communities and nations.

Memorial University has engaged the services of First Peoples Group to advance the institution’s work in developing an Indigenous verification protocol. The need to develop this protocol was originally identified in Memorial’s Strategic Framework for Indigenization 2021-26.

First Peoples Group is a certified Indigenous business based in Ottawa and led by a network of Indigenous women. It offers community-based Indigenous knowledge and has experience working in the post-secondary education sector.

Working with Memorial University, First Peoples Group will conduct a series of consultations to support the development of an institution-wide Indigenous verification protocol. Once developed, this protocol will be used throughout Memorial University and will be applied to situations in which individuals may stand to benefit from such claims, such as targeted hiring of Indigenous faculty and staff, designated seats for Indigenous students, Indigenous-specific scholarships and bursaries, and Indigenous-specific research funds.

Through February and March 2024, First Peoples Group will conduct a series of consultations with Indigenous leaders, Indigenous organizations and self-identified Indigenous faculty, staff, students and alumni of Memorial University. Consultations will include virtual group sessions, virtual one-on-one sessions and a survey.

When these consultations are complete, First Peoples Group will compile what they heard into a publicly available final report, along with recommendations for Memorial University.

Consultation Sessions

Details of consultation sessions for the Memorial community are included below. Consultation sessions with Indigenous communities are being coordinated directly with those communities.

Please note, respectfully, consultation sessions are only open to self-identified Indigenous faculty, staff, students and alumni. Interested participants must register for a consultation session by writing hannah@firstpeoplesgroup.com and include the following:

• Your name
• Affiliation with Memorial (i.e. faculty, staff, student and/or alumni)
• Indigenous community you have a responsibility to

All sessions are virtual and hosted on Zoom. Sessions are limited to 20 participants.

Faculty

• February 12, 2-4 p.m. (NST)
• March 12, 2-4 p.m. (NST)

Staff

• St. John’s campus and Marine Institute: February 14, 2-4 p.m. (NST)
• Grenfell Campus: February 27, 2-4 p.m. (NST)
• Labrador Campus: March 7, 2-4 p.m. (AST)
• All campuses (for those unable to attend campus-specific session): March 14, 2-4 p.m. (NST)

Students

• St. John’s campus and Marine Institute: February 15, 2-4 p.m. (NST)
• Grenfell Campus: February 29, 2-4 p.m. (NST)
• Labrador Campus: March 6, 6-8 p.m. (AST)
• All campuses (for those unable to attend campus-specific session): March 20, 6-8 p.m. (NST)

Alumni

• March 21, 6-8 p.m. (NST)
• March 25, 6-8 p.m. (NST)

Complete the survey

A survey is also available from February 12 – March 15 for those who cannot attend a consultation session, or for those who attended a session but would like to provide additional information. Survey responses are anonymous; personalized links to the survey will be provided.

If you would like to complete the survey, please email your request to vpindigenous@mun.ca and include the following:

• Your name
• Affiliation with Memorial (i.e. faculty, staff, student and/or alumni)
• Indigenous community you have responsibility to

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the consultations, please contact hannah@firstpeoplesgroup.com.