Historic and contemporary policies make Indigenous education in Canada a complex matter. The Assembly of First Nations states, “First Nations have an inherent and Treaty right to education, including post-secondary education (PSE) as part of a lifelong learning process.” Indigenous education today is influenced by colonial policies, including those that established the residential school system. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission published six volumes and 94 Calls to Action based on their research conducted between 2008 and 2015. Many of the calls relate to public awareness, including in specific fields associated with the teaching and learning that takes place at Ontario Tech.
CCWESTT acknowledges that our greater science, engineering, trades and technology (or SETT) community is situated on the ceded and unceded traditional territories of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples from coast to coast to coast in what is known as ‘Canada’. CCWESTT fervently believes SETT is enriched through collective relations and knowledge sharing and is committed to helping enhance and build these relations. Full land acknowledgement here.