Message for Indigenous History Month

Dear Laurier community,

June marks Indigenous History Month. At Laurier, this is a time for us to celebrate and recognize the contributions and scholarship of Indigenous faculty, staff, students, and alumni. It is also an opportunity for our community to reflect on and learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages, cultures and knowledges.

We recognize that there is a long history of government policy that sought to erase Indigenous history and knowledge, and intentionally dismantle Indigenous communities and familial ties. Laurier has begun the long journey toward truth and reconciliation, in partnership with and under the guidance of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

In addition to supporting Indigenous scholarship and knowledge, we are making systemic changes within the institution. Last fall, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives introduced the Indigenous Identity Verification Process, to ensure opportunities designated for Indigenous peoples are awarded to the people for whom they are intended. We also work to build and strengthen research partnerships, exchanging western and Indigenous knowledges, and working with communities on environmental stewardship and protection. Later this year, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives will share a strategic plan, approved by Laurier’s Senate in May and Board of Governors in June, to guide Indigenization work on our campuses and with our Indigenous partners.

This month, we encourage you to spend time on the Indigenous History Month web hub to learn more about Indigenous knowledge and world views. We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished in our community, while recognizing there is much work to come. Thank you to our faculty and staff who engage in this work every day, and thank you everyone in the Laurier community who has made a commitment to move forward in peace and reconciliation.

In peace and friendship,

Darren Thomas
Associate Vice-President: Indigenous Initiatives


Deborah MacLatchy
President and Vice-Chancellor