How to deepen your knowledge of Indigenous Peoples on campus

Broaden your perspective and help foster a more inclusive and respectful community.

Did you know there are on-campus resources that can help you deepen your knowledge of Indigenous Peoples? No? Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

Humber Polytechnic is located on the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, a place historically known as Adoobiigok, or “Place of the Alders” in Michi Saagiig. This area, along the Humber River watershed, has long been a vital connection for Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Wendat Peoples. Today, Adoobiigok remains a beautiful interconnected community for people from many nations.

Land acknowledgements are an important step toward reconciliation, as they recognize the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and honour their deep connection to the land.

Here’s a guide to help you learn more and be part of the reconciliation journey by using the on-campus resources and initiatives.

Participate in Treaties Recognition Week

Indigenous marking on campus. — *Photo credits: Fernando Bossoes*

Treaties Recognition Week is a great time to learn about the impact of treaties between Indigenous Peoples and the British Crown. Treaties Recognition Week happens from Nov. 6 to 12, to honour the importance of treaties and encourage people to learn about treaty rights and relationships.

You can also explore current conversations and updates about Treaties and what they mean for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Besides that, you can simply enjoy cultural activities and ceremonies that celebrate Indigenous traditions.

Remember to keep an eye on your campus’s announcements or events page to stay updated on Treaties Recognition Week activities.

Explore the Maamwhi Hub

A group of women are walking beside a wall covered in Indigenous artwork. — *Picture by Humber College – Humber’s Digital Asset Management*.

The Maamwi Hub, developed by Humber, is a fantastic place for gaining Indigenous knowledge and fostering conversation. It is designed to support Indigenous students and communities by providing resources and tools prepared according to their needs. This platform is important for cultural connection and academic support.

It also features information on Indigenous events, services and resources available at Humber and in the broader community. It is part of Humber Polytechnics’ broader commitment to Indigenous education and reconciliation.

Walk for Reconciliation

On Sept. 26, 2024, IGNITE hosted an event at the North campus called the Walk for Reconciliation to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It was a powerful day where everyone came together in orange shirts to honour the Survivors of the residential school system and the children who never made it home.

Students walked a 1.5-kilometre route and each step symbolized unity and dedication to reconciliation. It was a heartfelt way for everyone to show their support, reflect on the impact of the residential school system and stand together in the spirit of healing and understanding.

Humber Indigenous Education and Engagement

A woman is reaching for a book on the library shelf. — *Picture by Humber College – Humber’s Digital Asset Management*.

For National Indigenous History Month, Humber Libraries and Humber Indigenous Education & Engagement teamed up to spotlight amazing Indigenous voices. Every Friday, in June 2023, someone from the Indigenous community recommended a book that’s been meaningful to them.

On June 21, 2023, Danielle Jeancart, an Indigenous educator with Métis and Cree roots, was excited to share about Marilyn Dumont’s poetry collections: A Really Good Brown Girl, The Pemmican Eaters and That Tongued Belonging. Dumont’s poems beautifully capture the Métis experience with a mix of humour and deep reflection.

You can also check out additional recommended reads like Approaching Fire by Michelle Porter and Awâsis – Kinky and Dishevelled by Louise B. Halfe. These books offer rich insights into Indigenous histories, identities and resilience.

Leverage audiobooks and literature

A collection of books on a library shelf. — *Picture by Humber College – Humber’s Digital Asset Management*.

For National Day of Truth & Reconciliation, Humber Library has some great audiobooks by Indigenous authors for you to check out! You can listen to captivating stories like Motorcycles & Sweetgrass by Drew Hayden Taylor, thought-provoking reads like The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King and All The Quiet Places by Brian Thomas Isaac.

Other amazing choices include Five Little Indians by Michelle Good and Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq. These audiobooks are available for you to borrow online, so go ahead and enjoy these incredible voices and stories!

Resources for Indigenous students

Artwork featuring handprints on an orange background with the heading "Every Child Matters." — *Picture by Humber College – Humber’s Digital Asset Management*.

Humber has lots of great support for Indigenous students. You can get financial help through the Humber Indigenous Bursary, financial aid and tutoring from groups like the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and Indspire.

For mental health, the Humber Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre offers Indigenous counselling programs and there are additional resources like Anishnawbe Health Toronto and the Weaving Wellness Centre. MNO also has a 24-hour crisis line and counselling services.

Humber students participating in Walk for Reconciliation — *Photo credits: IGNITE*

Everyone should deepen their knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and actively engage with available resources. By enhancing your knowledge, you’ll be playing a crucial role in honouring and preserving these important cultures.

You can join educational workshops that cover Indigenous cultures, histories and current issues. Attend community events that encourage cultural exchange and community-building is another great way to deepen your knowledge.

So, dive into these resources, participate in on-campus activities and build meaningful connections. By doing so, you’ll contribute to a more informed and inclusive campus environment! Remember, reconciliation is a responsibility to all of us.

At IGNITE, we’re committed to making everyone feel welcome and respected. We stand firmly against discrimination and work to create inclusive spaces while breaking down barriers. Our commitment extends to scholarships and representation goals to support this mission. Our goal is to ensure that our environment is a safe and supportive space for everyone.

We also encourage all students to visit the Humber Indigenous Education & Engagement Centre website and follow them on Instagram @humberindigenous to learn more.

Do you want to take a look at Indigenous markings on campus? Discover all the Indigenous markings around Humber campuses!