Conclusion

Creating space for Indigenous Peoples and communities to engage in learning requires a lot of unlearning and relearning of historical harms and how institutional racism has been normalized. We can all play a role in Indigenization and work to provide better access for Indigenous students, include Indigenous worldviews and perspectives in our systems, and provide welcoming spaces for all students.

We hope you have found this guide helpful in your own journey to better support Indigenous student success. When we pull together, we move forward with purpose, honour, humility, love, and respect.

In concluding, let’s consider the words of Angus Graeme, president of Selkirk College:

What does Indigenization look like in 25 years? I believe that for a college to be successful, Indigeneity will be so engrained in the governance, operations, courses, programs, and services at the college that the term Indigenization will no longer be needed. Indigenous students will be confident and successful, proud of who they are, and proud of their cultures, traditions, and languages. We will have increased the number of faculty and staff who identify as Indigenous. The college will be a vibrant place of learning. Wouldn’t it be amazing if 25 years from now (if not sooner!) the president of the college were an Indigenous person and a Selkirk College alumni? (Harrison et al., Leaders and Administrators Guide, 2018)