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Confederation College embarks on a 'decolonization journey'

The college has released a report showing how it will enact recommendations from a systemic racism review.
Confederation College summer

THUNDER BAY — The president of Confederation College says "there is no end" to the work of decolonizing the college, but a report released this week serves as a roadmap for the decolonization journey.

Kathleen Lynch said the college's Decolonization Report details how it will address the recommendations from a systemic racism review, and includes a work plan for implementation.

The review began in 2018 with an assessment of college policies and practices.

It was conducted by a Toronto-based diversity and inclusion organizational development firm, which submitted its findings including 24 recommendations in 2019.

The college's decolonization committee began its own review of the recommendations last year before coming up with suggestions for implementation.

The committee was comprised of staff and student representatives, including a balance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous members.

Its work plan includes education and capacity building, data collection, increased student supports, and the development of new policies surrounding diversity, inclusion, social media, human rights and decolonization.

The plan also addresses practice recommendations including relationships with third-party vendors, a review of existing complaints processes, communication and human resources practices, as well as learning and development.

Accountability and consultation are highlighted as pillars.

Committee co-chair S. Brenda Small is the vice president of Negahneewin Research Centre.

Small said the group relied on consensus.

"It was important to create conditions whereby honest cross-cultural dialogue could take place, reflecting the worldviews, lived experiences and scholarly perspectives of all members," she said.

Small described the outcome as a comprehensive and robust report.

Prior to the formation of the committee, the college had already taken action to address the consultants' recommendations.

It hired an equity and human rights advisor, established a new anti-racism policy and complaints process, and developed a human rights section on its website, among other measures.

"We are pleased with what we have achieved so far, and acknowledge that there is considerable work to be performed," Lynch said.

She cautioned that "much of it will not be easy," and added that the decolonization report is only the beginning of what the college has left to do.

The decolonization report is available online at www.confederationcollege.ca/decolonization.

Confederation College also recently renamed its Native Child and Family Services program.




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