Laurentian University 2018-2023 Strategic Plan  

Laurentian University, located on the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, is a leader when it comes to Indigenous education and reconciliation. The University prides itself on being culturally responsive and a place where Indigenous thought and culture are welcomed. Laurentian University provides a welcoming environment for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, a home away from home where they can access campus Elders or take courses in various disciplines, departments and faculties with Indigenous faculty members. Currently, there are 25 full-time Indigenous faculty members employed at Laurentian University, which is more than any other university in Ontario.

Laurentian University is also home to the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC), which opened on June 21, 2017, National Aboriginal Day. Inspired by the wigwam, a dwelling used by Anishinaabek peoples of this territory, the ISLC features the spectacular round-room and state-of-the-art teaching facilities, student space, a space for Indigenous Student Affairs staff and campus Elders, as well as outdoor medicine gardens and sacred fire area. Indigeneity is woven throughout Laurentian University Strategic Plan 2018-2023. The McEwen School of Architecture, situated in downtown Sudbury, also provides a studio based model of instruction that receives its inspiration from Indigenous and northern collaborators.

The following Strategic Plan shared values contain elements that highlight how Laurentian contributes to promoting transformative change with Indigenous peoples and communities:

Laurentian University’s commitment to Calls to Action put forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is demonstrated through all of the shared values that are contained in the Strategic Plan 2018-2023.

The first shared value, The North Inspires Us, advances reconciliation in four ways: enhancing relationships with municipalities, agencies, organizations, First Nations, and Indigenous communities; incorporating a holistic approach to wellness in everyday practice; creating a hub for Indigenous, Franco-Ontarian and Northern arts and culture; and equipping graduates to practice, teach, and contribute in francophone, rural, and Indigenous contexts.

The second shared value, Student Success is our Success, emphasizes that student success opportunities will be provided for Laurentian students to become more familiar with Indigenous ways of being as well as the principles of reconciliation through their involvement with various aspects of campus culture.

The third shared value, Teaching and Learning Define Us, is exemplified in the goal of being a national leader in Indigenous education. Laurentian offers an expanded Indigenous curriculum across all faculties.

Curiosity Drives our Research is the fourth shared value. In terms of advancing Indigenous research, the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute supports researchers to advance culturally appropriate research that enhances mino-bimaadiziwin and wellness among Indigenous peoples and other
northern populations.

The fifth shared value, Relationships are our Priority, speaks to pursuing campus, local, provincial, national and international collaborations. This value supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action in several ways: through the creation of a task force to identify priority actions, offering cultural safety training, and offering Anishnaabemowin language courses to faculty, staff, and students.

Learning Activities

1. How is Laurentian University contributing to reconciliation?
2. What are other universities doing to respond to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

Expanding Your Knowledge

1. Laurentian University’s Strategic Plan 2018-2023 is available through the following link:
   Laurentian University Strategic Plan 2018-2023