The Université du Québec network and Université Laval, in partnership with Indigenous organizations focused on education for the 11 Nations in Québec, have unveiled the program for the 6th edition of the National Building Reconciliation Forum. The event will be held for the first time in Québec, from September 21 to 23, 2021, and will be in virtual format.
In addition to the extensive program of the pre-forum organized by the Kiuna Institute the only Indigenous college in Québec the Forum activities will reflect the commitment of the university community to do more and do better with First Peoples. Some twenty original commitments and initiatives will be discussed during the event workshops and panel discussions. Registration is still open.
Under the theme "Falling into step with First Peoples students," the Forum supported by Universities Canada follows in the wake of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which flagged education as one of the keys to reconciliation. The 2021 National Building Reconciliation Forum was developed in a collaborative process and seeks to rally and unite the main actors in the world of Indigenous education and all post-secondary institutions in Québec and across Canada. The event also marks a commitment to take concrete action aimed at overcoming systemic barriers to the success of Indigenous students.
Five preparatory webinars attracted hundreds of participants, and highlighted through the testimonies of students and graduates, as well as ambassadors from each of the 11 Nations in Québec the realities of First Peoples with regard to education. The webinars also provided an opportunity to propose potential solutions. The Forum will continue in the same vein, encouraging participants to share their experiences on themes such as raising awareness among post-secondary institutions about the realities of First Peoples; access to higher education; support and services for students; as well as teaching, research, and institutional governance.
The Forum will spur participants to take further action, over and above the practices and measures already in place at each of the 19 university establishments in Québec, a portrait of which was prepared under the direction of the President of the Université du Québec and co-chair of the Forum, Johanne Jean.
As pointed out by the co-chairs of the Forum Ms. Jean, President of the Université du Québec, and Senator Michèle Audette, Senior Advisor, Reconciliation and Indigenous Education at Université Laval, "We believe the Forum is more than just a gathering; it's an opportunity to engage and take action together to co-construct a shared future built on respectful and inclusive relationships. We hope you can join us!"
