{"id":111954,"date":"2026-10-01T17:15:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T21:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=111954"},"modified":"2026-10-01T17:17:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T21:17:12","slug":"strengthening-relationships-and-learning-at-heart-of-indigenous-strategic-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2026\/10\/strengthening-relationships-and-learning-at-heart-of-indigenous-strategic-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Strengthening relationships and learning at heart of Indigenous Strategic Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brock University has taken a major step towards reconciliation and decolonization with the launch of its inaugural Indigenous Strategic Plan<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The plan envisions a Brock where Indigenous learners, faculty and staff thrive, Indigenous knowledges and worldviews are centred, and relationships with Indigenous communities are strengthened.<\/p>\n

\u201cImportantly, the plan is the result of an Indigenous-led process,\u201d says President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg. \u201cI want to recognize the Indigenous Strategic Plan Advisory Committee and the many Indigenous learners, faculty, staff and community members who shared their knowledge, experiences and aspirations throughout its development.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interim Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Sheila Cote-Meek emphasizes that the plan is not a destination but a framework \u2014 and the more important work begins with translating its priorities into actions, responsibilities and measurable progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, one of the most important principles throughout this process has been that Indigenous engagement cannot be understood simply as a series of initiatives,\u201d says Cote-Meek. \u201cIt is fundamentally about\u00a0relationships, which require time, reciprocity and trust. Our responsibility now is to ensure that the commitments we are celebrating today are visible in the everyday life of the University.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gathering opened with a smudging ceremony led by Indigenous Health and Wellness Navigation Co-ordinator Kaitlyn Austin. Assistant Professor with the Department of Educational Studies Jeannie Martin welcomed Elder Anauta and guests. The Indigenous Lead for the Niagara Catholic District School Board Gary Parker gave the opening Thanksgiving Address and the Dean of the Faculty of Education Mary-Louise Vanderlee offered the Land Acknowledgement.<\/p>\n

Following a song by All Nations Powwow Singers and Dancers, attendees viewed a recorded message from Rigg before Cote-Meek formally introduced the plan.<\/p>\n

Rather than having a single individual speak to the six strategic priorities, each aligned with and supporting Brock University\u2019s Institutional Strategic Plan<\/a>, the launch event reflected the many voices and perspectives that helped shape the Indigenous Strategic Plan:<\/p>\n