(Sudbury – Dec. 3, 2018)

Aanii, Bonjour, Hello,

LUFA has been advised that the website for the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs (AVPAI) has been completely revamped.

The major addition includes a new section on Indigenous Presence on Campus. This is an educational resource (with apps, videos, articles, websites, etc.) created for all faculty, staff and students at Laurentian University and the federated partners (University of Sudbury, Thorneloe University, Huntington University).

The section includes six new topics that represent the most common questions and requests received by the AVPAI’s office. The subpages and resources have been created for the entire Laurentian community.

The new additions are:

• Cultural Competency
• How to be an Ally
• Anishinaabemowin Language
• Supporting Indigenous Students
• Indigenous Faculty
• Resources on Indigenous Peoples

LUFA has received several questions regarding resources on Indigenous peoples. Faculty have requested them to add more indigenous content to courses as well as to assist with the introduction of sensitive topics in the classroom.

Included in this email is an attachment entitled “Anishinaabe Waadiziwin: Protocols for Working with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers (Elders, Métis Senators, Others) at Laurentian University.”

The AVPAI has partnered with several Knowledge Keepers in the community in order to provide assistance to the Laurentian community including  resources and support for the classroom. In the attachment there is a simple form to fill out if you would like to request the support of a Knowledge Keeper. The protocol is detailed and addresses some FAQs.

Please click on the following link for the new additions: https://laurentian.ca/indigenous-programs. The website will be fully updated and translated into French by January 2019.

Our thanks to Dr. Pamela Toulouse for taking the time to meet with us to discuss these significant new developments.

Miigwetch, Merci, Thank you,

The LUFA Executive