UW Indigenous Identity Engagement - Urban/Inner-City Community

Preamble

Concerns about fraudulent claims to Indigenous identity have been arising across the country, including in Canadian universities. False claims to advantage an individual’s professional, personal and/or financial gain are serious and create harm for Indigenous people as well as the academy.

In the past, the University of Winnipeg has followed a practice of honouring self-declaration as Indigenous. This practice was put in place because Indigenous identity is complex due to centuries of colonialism and racism. The self-declaration process for faculty, staff and students was a step forward in being able to demonstrate inclusion of Indigenous people, but recent cases across Canada demonstrate that we must work toward a transparent and ethical process.

With support from the President’s Office, the University of Winnipeg recognizes our role in moving Truth and Reconciliation forward and is committed to Indigenous success, engagement and achievement. This also necessitates taking the next step in ensuring…