You can build new futures and strong relationships: support Indigenous initiatives with U of T
Jun 20, 2022
Lindsey Fechtig, manager of the Office of Indigenous Health in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and U of T’s first-ever Eagle Feather Bearer, walks down the aisle at Convocation Hall (photo by Steve Frost)
When alumna Lindsey Fechtig led out the University of Toronto’s 2022 Convocation procession, bearing the ceremonial Indigenous Eagle Feather, she was deeply moved by the real support embodied in that symbol.
“Having the institution honour our ways of knowing and doing, and our culture—the significance of this is huge,” said Fechtig (MEd 2015), a member of Curve Lake First Nation.
And in the spirit of inclusion, we can’t do it alone. Please join us!
Your support for U of T’s Indigenous initiatives can remove barriers for students, create opportunities for scholars, and make space for Indigenous voices and knowledge in our communities. Here are four ways you can help.
1. Contribute to Indigenous student scholarships
When Andrea Johns (BA 2021 WDW) started at the University of Toronto as a mature student, all aspects of earning a degree felt overwhelming and inaccessible. But scholarship support helped her realize her potential—not only to graduate, but also to win a President’s Award honouring her advocacy for Indigenous language revitalization.
Andrea Johns (on right) with fellow President’s Award winner Tyee Fellows, Inuk Knowledge Keeper Naulaq LeDrew, and U of T President Meric Gertler. Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn.
Scholarships and bursaries ensure that talented students get the chance to complete their educational dreams, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Your gift to the Indigenous Students’ Scholarship Fund in U of T’s Faculty of Arts & Science supports Indigenous undergraduates enrolled at the University.
Andrea Johns (on right) with fellow President’s Award winner Tyee Fellows, Inuk Knowledge Keeper Naulaq LeDrew, and U of T President Meric Gertler. Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn.
2. Give to Indigenous research initiatives
In 2021, U of T launched the Indigenous Research Network to support faculty, build community, and implement new and revised curriculums. The network is a culturally safe support, helping faculty meaningfully build on existing Indigenous research strengths at U of T, and address current challenges.
Mikaela Gabriel researches how to support Indigenous Peoples’ mental health across life transitions. Photo by Nick Macchione
For example, Mikaela D. Gabriel (Italian & Mi’kmaq, Crow Clan) is conducting post-doctoral research at U of T’s Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health. Exploring how traditional knowledge and Elder connections can support Indigenous Peoples’ mental health across life transitions, her work will enhance real-life programming in the community.
Mikaela Gabriel researches how to support Indigenous Peoples’ mental health across life transitions. Photo by Nick Macchione
3. Help build up Indigenous communities
Last fall, an Indigenous-led blessing ceremony at U of T Scarborough acknowledged, honoured and paid respects to past, present and future activity on the land—preparing the way for the construction of Indigenous House. It is the first fully Indigenous-designed space across U of T’s three campuses.
The design for Indigenous House draws inspiration from a traditional winter wigwam and longhouse. Image courtesy Formline Architecture and LGA Architecture Partners
A unique, culturally-appropriate and inclusive building, Indigenous House will celebrate and support Indigeneity and Indigenous Ways of Knowing, bringing together our community of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous lifelong learners. And it will be a central hub by which Indigeneity radiates and is absorbed across the Eastern GTA, giving local communities opportunities to learn and experience Indigenous arts, cultures and histories.
The design for Indigenous House draws inspiration from a traditional winter wigwam and longhouse. Image courtesy Formline Architecture and LGA Architecture Partners
4. Support including Indigenous content in classrooms
Furthering reconciliation requires a commitment to making space for Indigenous voices and including Indigenous content in classrooms at all levels. Your support can help the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at U of T as it weaves Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into its Indigenous Education Programs and Initiatives and explores land-centered language, literacy, and school curriculums.
Educator Doug Anderson helped rewrite an Ontario curriculum to encourage students to rethink their relationship to nature. Photo by Zach Pederson
For example, OISE faculty collaborated with educator Doug Anderson (Métis/Bungee) and Indigenous Elders to embed Indigenous perspectives in Ontario’s inquiry-based learning curriculum. The project continues, helping teachers build connections with the land into students’ school experience, and bringing an Indigenous lens into all aspects of environmental education.
Educator Doug Anderson helped rewrite an Ontario curriculum to encourage students to rethink their relationship to nature. Photo by Zach Pederson
Thank you for your support. Every gift—no matter the size—and every share contributes to building new futures. Together, we can create the inclusive society that ensures everyone gets their chance to grow and thrive.
We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.
