Fall Update – Listening, Learning and Leading: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Working Group

Oct 20, 2021

Earlier this year, the discovery of unmarked burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School and other former residential schools throughout Canada brought renewed attention to the legacy of residential schools, and to the shameful recognition that we must do better in our communities to work toward Truth and Reconciliation.

On June 1, Dr. Michael W. Higgins, President and Vice-Chancellor of Corpus Christi College and St. Mark’s College, pledged that we would take concrete actions as a community to listen, attend, act and repair. “St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges are Roman Catholic institutions of higher learning and it is our job to listen and to act. The Gospel demands that we do, Catholic Social Teaching provides the way, and our collective conscience the imperative,” said Dr. Higgins.

In support of this pledge of action, the Colleges formed Listening, Learning and Leading: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Working Group, which is comprised of staff and faculty with guidance from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The group meets regularly to help guide the Colleges toward four goals: 1) to listen (and learn); 2) to learn and keep learning (a continuous cycle); 3) to build relationships; and 4) to move forward together.

To keep you informed of how we are working toward these goals, the group will periodically provide updates on our actions and initiatives as a community.

Listening, Learning and Leading: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Working Group

[button link=”/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Fall-2021-Update-Listening-Learning-and-Leading-Indigenous-Relations-and-Reconciliation-Working-Group-final.pdf” file=”true”]Fall 2021 Update [/button]

If you are interested in learning more or have questions, please reach out to the co-chairs of Listening, Learning and Leading: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Working Group:

  • Jo-Anne Nykilchyk, Director of Development and Alumni Relations: [email protected]
  • Gabriel Pillay, Dean of Students and Executive Director, Strategy and Planning & Part Time Studies/Continuing Education: [email protected]