Indigenous Initiatives

The Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University aims to respond to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Call to Action #92 (external link) , by committing to meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities to promote economic empowerment and wellbeing.

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.

Reconciliation in Business

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 7^th 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.

Read the report

Acknowledging Indigenous Land

The Ted Rogers School is pleased to display a mural titled Indigenous History of the Land, painted by Philip Cote. This mural serves 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 Ojibway, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron Wendat peoples. The mural was formally presented to the Ted Rogers School community in fall 2024 during Treaties Recognition and Indigenous Education Week. Indigenous History of the Land is located inside the Ted Rogers School building, on the landing beneath the 7^th floor.

We invite the Toronto Metropolitan community to (google form) get involved and provide feedback (external link, opens in new window) .

Watch the art installation take place

'Indigenous History of the Land' mural in the hallways of the TRSM building

Academic curriculum and research

The Ted Rogers School has adopted a holistic approach aimed at making the space, curriculum and community more inclusive for Indigenous students.

Indigenous student admissions

Address systemic barriers and educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, and increase access and enrollment to post-secondary programs for Indigenous students.

Indigenous healing garden

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.

Indigenous art installation

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.