Have your say in UM's first Truth and Reconciliation Framework

What we’ve heard so far: Truth and Reconciliation Framework Engagement Session feedback

Thank you to all who have participated in the engagement process and provided feedback on the University of Manitoba’s Truth and Reconciliation Framework: Time for Action (Framework).

From May until early September 2024, we have held engagement sessions to help inform and strengthen the draft Framework, ensuring it reflects the diverse voices within the UM community. These sessions have included UM Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Grandmothers, Grandfathers, students, faculty and staff, as well as external Indigenous community partners.

We gathered rich and valuable feedback from each session, direct email and online feedback form submission. Below is a high-level summary of the main themes we’ve learned from your feedback to date:

Accountability: Feedback from the UM community and external Indigenous community partners indicated the need for all UM units, departments and faculties to be accountable for Reconciliation commitments. This means setting clear goals, regularly reporting on progress and being transparent about both successes and areas needing improvement.

Direct and Honest Language: Feedback emphasized the need to make the language in the Framework clearer and more direct, and to ensure it speaks to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audience perspectives. Helping build trust and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Anti-Indigenous Racism and Oppression: Feedback highlighted that language concerning the need to address and dismantle systemic racism and oppression faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, faculty and staff needs to be stronger.

Real Systems Change: Feedback showed a desire for deep, structural changes that go beyond surface-level adjustments to making fundamental changes to policies, practices and workplace culture to support Indigenous rights and perspectives.

Transparency on Progress: Feedback indicated the need for the university to be open about its progress on the Truth and Reconciliation Framework and following implementation. Regular updates and clear communication are essential.

Truth-Telling: Feedback stressed the importance of acknowledging historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples, specifically at UM. Sharing the truths related to UM’s history and relationships with Indigenous Peoples is a crucial step towards healing and being in right relationship. It also reinforces the message that without truth, there can be no Reconciliation.

Distinct from EDI Efforts: Finally, some feedback indicated the need for clarification of how this work is distinct from the UM’s equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) efforts; that the Truth and Reconciliation Framework is not simply about promoting diversity and inclusion; it is about fulfilling our obligations and commitments to Indigenous Peoples.

This feedback will inform the work as we move forward with developing the next draft of the Framework.

Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to ensure the Framework has meaning. We appreciate your time and commitment to advancing Reconciliation at UM.

We invite anyone who wishes to share additional feedback to email us at reconciliaction@umanitoba.ca by September 20, 2024. Your input is invaluable as we continue this important journey.

About the draft framework

We are excited to share the Truth and Reconciliation Framework: Time for Action – 2024-2029 (PDF). Informed by community consultations and MOMENTUM: Leading Change Together 2024-2029, this draft framework outlines the vision, mission and shared values, which has guided the Reconciliation Advisory Committee in its work. 

Before the Committee moves forward with presenting a final plan to Senate and the Board of Governors for approval, we invite you to read and share your feedback on this important document. This framework will guide our shared work over the next five years. We want to ensure that it resonates and that the diversity of voices and perspectives that strengthen our UM community are reflected in our framework.

Using the Indigenous Senior Leadership Report and Recommendations and the MOMENTUM: Leading Change Together 2024-2029 plan as guides, the Truth and Reconciliation Framework  provides the high-level context to champion a university-wide Reconciliation Implementation Plan in 2025, which will drive UM’s commitment of advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into what we do.

The online form to provide feedback closed Friday, July 12, 2024 at 4 p.m. Thank you to all who submitted.

We developed the Truth and Reconciliation Framework (PDF) in consultation with our community.

The Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) (OVPI) formed a team in fall 2022 following recommendations from UM’s Indigenous Senior Leadership Report. The goal of the team was to lead an engagement process to inform the development of a university-wide plan for Reconciliation.

The team organized three large-scale sessions, bringing together a range of collaborators, including Elders, UM Indigenous students, senior leaders, faculty, staff and Indigenous community members. They kicked off with talks about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. Participants were asked to share broad, university-wide goals, visions, ideas and needs to address the holistic experiences of Indigenous students, faculty and staff. Participants were also encouraged to consider the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of working and learning at the UM.

Other recent university reports, many which responded to the Indigenous Senior Leadership recommendations, were also vital in shaping this process. The thoughts and suggestions from those reports were echoed by the participants in the community engagement sessions, contributing to the development of the Reconciliation plan. You can find the reports, which each held their own engagement sessions, on the OVPI's reporting page.