The social and economic challenges faced by Inuit, Métis and First Nations peoples in Canada are well known and business education plays a critical role in empowering Indigenous peoples and communities to overcome many of these challenges. As Canada’s largest business school, we have a duty to help address the alienation of Indigenous peoples from the education system.
The Ted Rogers School is dedicated to making management education accessible, and providing opportunities and support for students from diverse backgrounds and capabilities. Ensuring that Indigenous peoples have equitable access to training and education opportunities reinforces our commitment to the economic development and sustainable growth of Indigenous communities.
Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force
Toronto Metropolitan University’s Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force Report in August 2021 includes recommendations for accessible spaces on campus for an Indigenous healing garden, and public Indigenous art installation.
The Ted Rogers School has been engaging with a broad group of Indigenous artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, Knowledge Keepers and others to create an:
Indigenous Healing Garden in the Courtyard on the 7th floor of the Ted Rogers School building.
Indigenous art installation with the goal of educating our community and the public about Indigenous entrepreneurship and providing ways to share knowledge about the history of innovation in Canada, honouring pioneering Indigenous artists.
The Ted Rogers School will soon display a mural from The Mocassin Identifier (external link, opens in new window) to serve as a visual acknowledgement that we are within The Toronto Purchase Treaty No. 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and that we are situated on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron Wendat peoples.
Address systemic barriers and educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, and increase access and enrollment to post-secondary programs for Indigenous students.
We aim to transform the Ted Rogers School courtyard into an Indigenous healing garden and learning space with plant medicines known to improve physical, mental and spiritual health and decrease anxiety.
Through Indigenous art, we aim to tell the story that celebrates the rich history of pioneering Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada, and honour the role of Indigenous entrepreneurs and artists.
Laying Roots: The Indigenous Healing Garden at the Ted Rogers School of Management