Skip to Main Content
You are now in the main content area

Indigenous Education Council

Indigenous Education Council and York University representatives

The Indigenous Education Council at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) was created in 2010 as part of the  (PDF file) Indigenous Postsecondary Education and Training Action Plan (external link) . The Council serves as an advisory group on Indigenous issues and education across TMU.

Vision

To ensure that the next seven generations of Indigenous Peoples will have greater opportunities and success in education at TMU through initiatives that are driven by Indigenous knowledges and ways of being.

Goal

To participate in the process of developing a new relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people centred around truth and reconciliation, both at TMU and in the community at large, based on knowledge and respect.

Work of the Council

The Council’s work includes:

  • Implementing the Toronto Metropolitan University Postsecondary Education and Training Action Plan through the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
  • Supporting the recruitment, retention and engagement of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, students, faculty and staff.
  • Supporting and enabling Indigenous knowledges and content to be embedded throughout the university including on campus and within the community, as well as in curriculum and research. This includes support to departments and faculties through the Indigenous Education Council’s Curriculum Development Fund.
  • Providing guidance and direction for embedding Indigenous knowledges and content across the university.
  • Providing an Indigenous perspective and voice across university activities.

The Council also enhances and expands activities and partnerships within the university and the Indigenous community in Toronto to develop further connections and create a model that other universities can adapt.

Membership

The Council is primarily composed of Indigenous students, faculty and staff. It also includes members and partners from external partners in Toronto's Indigenous community, including from the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Toronto & York Region Métis Council (TYRMC) and other community organizations.

Chair

Elder (Ke Shay Hayo) and Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation - Joanne Okimawininew Dallaire

Active members

  • Chair in Indigenous Governance - Pamela Palmater
  • Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching - Curtis Maloley
  • Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences - Shane Young
  • Indigenous Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion - Monica McKay and Cher Trudeau
  • Faculty of Law - Scott Franks
  • Faculty of Science - Caleb Wesley
  • Human Resources - Christa Hinds, James McKay and Scott Sunday
  • Métis Nation of Ontario - Evan Accettola
  • Office of the Registrar - Robyn Parr
  • Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion - Tanya De Mello and Debbie Thompson
  • Provost and Vice-President, Academic - Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano and Tony Conte
  • Rebirthed Teachings, Indigenous Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion - Amy Desjarlais
  • School of Social Work - Karina Brant, Baileigh Peacock and Chavez McDonald
  • Ted Rogers School of Management - Micheal Mihalcz
  • Toronto District School Board (TDSB) - Natasha Gleeson
  • TMU Urban Farm - Samantha Williams Barrantes
  • University Advancement - Allison Urowitz
  • University Events and Ceremonies, Office of the President - Crystal Osawamick

Get in touch

If you would like to get in touch with the Indigenous Education Council, we invite you to contact Cher Trudeau, administrative coordinator, Indigenous Education Council and Indigenous Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, at cktrudeau@torontomu.ca.