TRC Strategic Working Group
Learn from the co-chairs of the TRC Strategic Working Group on the importance of truth and reconciliation, progress at TMU and how to get involved.
The Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Strategic Working Group was established in early 2018 after the release of TMU’s Truth and Reconciliation Community Consultation Summary Report. As the university continues on its journey to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous students, faculty, staff and the broader community, the TRC Strategic Working Group meets regularly to establish priorities and share best practices for implementing Indigenous initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University.
The working group provides a forum for members to raise issues related to reconciliation, report progress on recommendations from the Community Consultation Summary Report, and seek advice or support on proposed initiatives.
The work of the TRC Strategic Working Group complements the activities and recommendations of the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force and the Indigenous Education Council.
Co-chairs of the Strategic Working Group
Membership
The TRC Strategic Working Group has broad membership from across the university, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. Membership in the working group is not exclusive. Any TMU faculty, staff or student who would like to engage with the working group is welcome to contact Rose Sandino at rose.sandino@torontomu.ca.
The ISSWG’s mandate is to bring together initiatives relating to Indigenous place-making and space that are under discussion or underway at TMU. The sub-working group focuses on recommendations 45 and 49 from the (PDF file) 2018 TRC Community Consultation report to:
- Continue to increase Indigenous visibility on campus, by adding visual representations of the Canadian Indigenous community, such as Indigenous art, posters and messaging that conveys a welcoming, inclusive, knowledgeable environment for all students.
- Increase the celebration of and education about Indigenous issues, culture and history throughout the entire campus.
Since 2019, the sub-working group, administered by Facilities Management and Development, has led projects such as the “Ring”, the Concrete Indians mural in the Student Learning Centre (SLC), and the development of the (google doc) Indigenous Design Standards (external link) for campus construction and renovation projects. It has also advised on projects such as the Paisajes de Nosotros (Landscapes of Us) mural, the First Nations Immersive Space in the Recreation and Athletic Centre (RAC), and the mural in the Kerr Hall West 57 Active Learning Classroom.
The sub-working group meets approximately nine times per year and membership is open. If you wish to join, please reach out to Odila Reis, administrative coordinator, Facilities Management and Development, at odila@torontomu.ca.
Installed in 2021, the “Ring”, located east of the Gould Street and Nelson Mandela Walk intersection, is meant to inspire community members to learn more about the many rich elements of Indigenous culture that can shape our collective way of life. Photo credit: Hannah Kiviranta.
A part of photographer Nadya Kwandibens (external link) ’ Concrete Indians series, Dancer Tee Lyn Duke was photographed inside a Toronto subway station to represent contemporary Indigenous identity. This large-scale public artwork is displayed in the SLC.
The First Nations Immersive Space in the RAC helps community members harness the benefits of being surrounded by nature, like elevated mood and academic benefits. Photo credit: Mark Samy.
Engage with the committee and share your initiatives
If you are working on an initiative, project, event or resource that you believe contributes to TMU’s commitment to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous students, faculty, staff or the broader community, please share it with us.
To share your initiative or get involved with the TRC Strategic Working Group, contact Rose Sandino, director, projects and operations, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, at rose.sandino@torontomu.ca.