Implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Initiatives: Turning Words into Action

ANS 2050
Closed
University College of the North
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada
AK
Asfia Kamal She / Her
Assistant Professor
(1)
2
General
  • Undergraduate; 2nd year
  • 20 students; teams of 3
  • 30 hours per student
  • Dates set by experience
  • Educators assign students to projects
Preferred companies
  • 1/1 project matches
  • Anywhere
  • Academic experience
  • Large enterprise, Non profit, Small to medium enterprise, Social enterprise
  • Education, Environment, Government, Human resources & recruitment, Non-profit, philanthropic & civil society
Categories
Social impact Leadership Training & development Community engagement Education
Skills
indigenizing content intercultural communication
Project timeline
  • February 19, 2024
    Experience start
  • April 23, 2024
    Experience end
Overview
Details


The course provides a comprehensive exploration of truth and reconciliation processes in the Canadian context, focusing on the historical and contemporary dynamics of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships. The curriculum critically examines history of residential school and other systematic injustices caused by colonialism, truth and reconciliation mechanisms, including insights from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), fostering a deep understanding of cultural, social, and political dimensions in the reconciliation journey. The course specifically delves into the TRC's work and findings, colonial policies, the 94 Calls to Action, review initiatives addressing residential school impacts, and consider the experiences of Aboriginal and northern peoples in Manitoba and Canada. Throughout the course, students are challenged to reflect on their roles in fostering reconciliation and promoting justice and equity in society. The practical component encourages critical thinking and the development of action plans tailored to participants' professional environments for meaningful reconciliation


Students who complete this course will gain the following capabilities and can offer them to a company:


In-depth Understanding of Truth and Reconciliation Processes: Students will develop a thorough knowledge of truth and reconciliation processes, particularly in the Canadian context, with a focus on historical and contemporary Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships.


Critical Examination of Historical Injustices: The curriculum equips students to critically examine the history of residential schools and other systemic injustices resulting from colonialism, fostering a keen awareness of the socio-cultural and political dimensions of reconciliation.


Expertise in Truth and Reconciliation Mechanisms: Students will become well-versed in truth and reconciliation mechanisms, including insights from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), enabling them to understand and navigate the complexities of reconciliation efforts.


Knowledge of TRC's Work and Findings: The course specifically delves into the TRC's work, colonial policies, the 94 Calls to Action, and initiatives addressing residential school impacts, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the TRC's findings and recommendations.


Regional Focus on Manitoba and Canada: Students will gain insights into the experiences of Aboriginal and northern peoples in Manitoba and Canada, contributing to a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics in the reconciliation process.


Reflective and Action-Oriented Thinking: The course challenges students to reflect on their roles in fostering reconciliation and promoting justice and equity in society, cultivating a mindset of thoughtful engagement and responsibility.


Practical Application in Professional Environments: The practical component of the course encourages critical thinking and the development of action plans tailored to participants' professional environments, enabling them to apply their knowledge for meaningful reconciliation within organizational settings.


Student skills
Indigenizing content, Intercultural communication
Deliverables

What would your company get at the end of the Experience?


The truth and reconciliation course will design diverse deliverables, encompassing theoretical comprehension and practical application. Each student is expected to present a maximum of two deliverables, the nature of which will depend on individual capacity, training, and involvement in company projects. Below are examples of possible deliverables.


Research Papers: Research papers analyzing specific aspects of truth and reconciliation, such as the history of residential schools, the impact of colonial policies, or the effectiveness of truth and reconciliation mechanisms.


Action Plans: Practical action plans tailored to participants' professional environments, demonstrating how they can contribute to reconciliation in their specific roles and organizations.


Case Studies: Case studies exploring real-world examples of truth and reconciliation efforts, with a focus on successful strategies, challenges faced, and lessons learned.


Presentations and Workshops: Group or individual presentations on various topics related to truth and reconciliation, showcasing students' ability to communicate key concepts effectively.


Cultural Competency Training Modules: Development of training modules or workshops aimed at enhancing cultural competency within organizations, showcasing an understanding of how to educate others on Indigenous history and contemporary issues.


Policy Analyses and Recommendations: Policy analyses addressing issues related to Indigenous rights, historical injustices, or reconciliation efforts, accompanied by informed recommendations for improvement or change.


Community Engagement Projects: Plans for community engagement projects that contribute to healing and reconciliation, demonstrating a commitment to applying knowledge in practical, community-centered ways.


Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within organizations, including recommendations for policy changes, training programs, and cultural awareness campaigns.


Evaluation Frameworks: Development of evaluation frameworks for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of truth and reconciliation programs, demonstrating a capacity for critical assessment and improvement.


Media and Art Projects: Creative projects, such as documentaries, art installations, or digital storytelling initiatives, that contribute to raising awareness and understanding of Indigenous perspectives.


Reflective Essays: Personal reflective essays where students explore their roles in fostering reconciliation and promoting justice and equity, showcasing self-awareness and a deep understanding of their responsibilities.


Collaborative Initiatives: Collaborative initiatives that involve working with Indigenous communities, organizations, or entrepreneurs to support economic development, cultural preservation, or community empowerment.


These deliverables aim to assess students' abilities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts, fostering a holistic understanding of truth and reconciliation and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to these processes in diverse settings.

Project Examples


Given the expertise gained from this course, students could engage in projects that contribute to various aspects of truth and reconciliation. Here are potential project ideas:


Community Engagement and Healing Initiatives:Develop and implement community-based projects that foster healing and reconciliation, leveraging insights gained from the course to address specific historical and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous communities.


Educational Programs and Outreach:Design educational programs or outreach initiatives that raise awareness about the history of residential schools, colonial policies, and the TRC's findings. This could involve creating multimedia resources, organizing workshops, or collaborating with educational institutions.


Organizational Diversity and Inclusion Programs:Assist companies in developing and implementing diversity and inclusion programs that are informed by the principles of truth and reconciliation. This might include training sessions, policy reviews, and initiatives to create culturally sensitive and inclusive workplaces.


Policy Analysis and Advocacy:Conduct policy analyses related to Indigenous rights, historical injustices, and reconciliation. Students could contribute to advocacy efforts by providing informed recommendations to policymakers, organizations, or government bodies.


Cultural Competency Training: Develop training modules or workshops to enhance cultural competency and indigenization within organizations. This could involve educating employees on Indigenous history, traditions, and contemporary issues to create a more inclusive and understanding work environment.


Collaborative Art and Media Projects:Engage in collaborative art or media projects that amplify Indigenous voices and stories, contributing to a broader understanding of Indigenous perspectives. This might include documentaries, art installations, or digital storytelling initiatives.


Monitoring and Evaluation of Reconciliation Programs:Work with organizations or government agencies to assess the effectiveness of existing truth and reconciliation programs. This could involve developing evaluation frameworks, conducting surveys, and providing recommendations for program improvement.


Support for Indigenous-led Entrepreneurship:Collaborate with Indigenous entrepreneurs or communities to support economic development initiatives. This might include business consulting, marketing strategies, or creating platforms to showcase and promote Indigenous-owned businesses.


Research on Contemporary Indigenous Issues:Undertake research projects that explore contemporary issues affecting Indigenous communities. This research could inform public discourse, policy development, or advocacy efforts.


International Comparative Studies:Conduct comparative studies on truth and reconciliation processes globally, drawing parallels and lessons from other contexts to enrich the understanding of reconciliation dynamics.

Additional company criteria

Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

Will a company representative be available to meet with students at least three times over the course of the Experience?