McGill launches Task Force on Indigenous Studies and Education
McGill University launches its Task Force on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education, mandated by Provost and Vice Principal Academic, Christopher Manfredi, with a public event to be held on September 22 at the new site of the Hochelaga Rock. The Task Force will propose initiatives aimed at integrating indigenous perspectives into the academic curriculum and research, as well as the retention and recruitment of Indigenous students and faculty members.
“This event is about recognizing and celebrating the Indigenous presence at McGill historically and today and about deepening that presence in the years to come,” says Provost Manfredi. “The work of the Task Force will build on an important foundation set by initiatives across McGill committed to Indigenous community outreach and boosting Indigenous education, enrolment and recruitment.”
Although not far from its original location, the new site gives the Hochelaga Rock more prominence because it is located in a public area on the lower campus. Now, everyone who enters the campus through its main gates on Sherbrooke Street will pass by the Hochelaga Rock.
What: Ceremony marking the relocation of the Hochelaga Rock and launch of the Provost’s Task Force on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education
When: Thursday, September 22, 2016 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: McGill University Lower Field inside the Roddick Gates
“Things are moving at McGill, literally! I’m very happy to see the relocation of the Hochelaga Rock as one way to acknowledge and recognize the historical significance of this area to Indigenous peoples”, says Paige Isaac, Task Force co-chair and Coordinator of First Peoples’ House. “Indigenous peoples are still here and so I believe it’s an opportunity for this Taskforce and its working groups, through a wide consultation process, to find ways to integrate Indigenous knowledges and practices into as many aspects of the university as possible”.
The Task Force is led by co-chairs Paige Isaac, Coordinator of First Peoples’ House, Hudson Meadwell, Chair of the Department of Political Science, and Angela Campbell, Associate Provost (Policies, Procedures and Equity).
