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    1. Responding to the Needs of Aboriginal Peoples: A Conceptual Framework Presented to University Council December 13, 2001

    3. The University of Saskatchewan has a strong track record in responding to the needs of Aboriginal peoples based on its academic programs and its people. Our audit of programs indicates: a wide range of instructional programs, many leading-edge and nationally acclaimed. Many of these programs have been available for many years. a financial commitment in excess of $2.25 million (base budget), approximately $6.6 million in major contracts, about $300,000 in band-sponsored programs, and approximately $2.6 million in research funding.

    4. There are, however, gaps in the academic programs we offer, and, more importantly, in our ability to meet the challenges identified in A Framework for Planning.

    5. Consultations Inside the University Planning Committee: Retreat (September, 1998) Consultation with University community (March 1999) Subcommittee on Aboriginal programs (November 2000) Presidential initiatives: Provostial subcommittee on Aboriginal programs (Fall, 2000) Visit to University of Arizona and Arizona State (Fall 2000) Provincial tour Meetings with program heads on campus Meetings with external agencies (SIFC, Gabriel Dumont Institute, Wanuskewin Heritage Park)

    6. University Consultation: General Themes Expand academic programs Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into program offerings Pay attention to special needs of Aboriginal students Sensitize, inform, and educate faculty, students, and staff Create partnerships Coordinate existing programs and services

    7. Consultations Outside the University Discussions with Elders Focus on what can be achieved “Keep it simple”; “Don’t make promises you can’t keep” Discussions with the University of Arizona/Arizona State Discussions with Wanuskewin Heritage Park Discussions with FSIN Discussions with Potential Funding Partners

    8. The Immediate Challenges How should the University of Saskatchewan make concrete its thinking about Aboriginal programs and services in ways that are appropriate to a university with the aspirations we hold? What strategies do we need to adopt to improve the ability of Aboriginal people to succeed in our programs?

    9. The Immediate Challenges How do we make available the full range of our programs and the full resources of the University? How do we reflect Aboriginal culture in teaching, research, and service programs? How do we integrate Aboriginal knowledge into the curriculum and practices of the University? How do we provide a meaningful voice for Aboriginal people?

    10. The Conceptual Framework for Responding to the Needs of Aboriginal Peoples is a first step. It is a way of organizing our thoughts and actions. It is a way to determine where we should place greater emphasis. It is a way to determine where the gaps are in our current efforts. It is a way to begin the internal dialogue about what the University should begin to emphasize. It is a way to begin moving forward.

    11. The Proposed Conceptual Framework

    12. Academic Programs The University of Saskatchewan has a strong tradition of leading-edge, innovative, academic degree and certificate programs. We are viewed as national leaders in Aboriginal academic programming.

    13. A Selection of Current Academic Programs (Degree and Certificate) Aboriginal Justice and Criminology Teacher Education Programs (SUNTEP, ITEP, NORTEP, NWTEP) Program of Legal Studies for Aboriginal Students (Native Law Center) Native Studies Certificate in Indigenous Business Administration

    14. Emerging Initiatives Northern Ecosystems and Toxicology Initiative Indigenous Knowledge and Justice Expansion of Native studies programs Indigenous Public Administration Program

    15. Academic Programs However, we know that our academic programs are in heavy demand, and current resources are not adequate to meet that demand. Our academic programs need to build stronger community connections. Our academic programs need to reflect and incorporate the knowledge of Aboriginal peoples. Our academic programs are focused primarily at the undergraduate level. We need to concentrate our efforts on expanding graduate programs focused on Aboriginal themes.

    16. Academic Programs Can We Agree?: That the University of Saskatchewan’s degree and certificate programs should be distinguished by their breadth and by the inclusion of Aboriginal knowledge in the curriculum?

    17. Initial Steps … Curriculum development specialists are needed to integrate and enhance course development across the University’s program offerings. Additional faculty and technical staff capacity need to be added to support Aboriginal education programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    18. Student Affairs The University of Saskatchewan has developed a number of initiatives that support student learning and growth. It has also developed some initiatives that introduce the University to Aboriginal youth in the K-12 educational system.

    19. Current Student Affairs Initiatives Aboriginal Students’ Centre CAPES Program Super Saturday Elders programs University Life 101 Native Access Committees National Native Access Program to Nursing Tracking of Aboriginal Students College Academic Advising Programs

    20. Student Affairs However, we know that our current services to students are diffuse. We need to be innovative. We need to expand our program offerings and support services.

    21. Student Affairs Can We Agree?: That the University of Saskatchewan should aim for national leadership in innovative programs and services designed to recruit and retain Aboriginal students to the University?

    22. Initial Steps … Invite officials from other universities to attend a conference on campus to provide guidance on retention-oriented financial aid programs. Enhance culturally appropriate counseling services and access to Elders on campus. Conduct a needs assessment of daycare programs and student housing.

    23. Cultural Programs The University of Saskatchewan has provided modest support to a limited number of cultural program initiatives.

    24. Current Cultural Programs Indigenous Peoples’ programs (since 1988) Elders’ programs Annual fall orientation pow wow

    25. Cultural Programs Can We Agree?: That faculty, students, and staff at the University of Saskatchewan should be sensitive to and knowledgeable about the history and culture of Aboriginal people? That opportunities to understand and celebrate Aboriginal language and culture both on campus and in the Aboriginal community should be available?

    26. Initial Steps … Wanuskewin Partnership Aboriginal Awareness Training Satellite campus Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre Expansion of Aboriginal Awareness Training Expanding opportunities for language acquisition in partnership with SIFC, SICC, Gabriel Dumont Institute, and other organizations

    27. Research Programs The University of Saskatchewan has many examples of independent scholars who have developed national reputations. We also have recent evidence of our ability to create research partnerships specifically in areas of interest to Aboriginal people.

    28. Current Research Programs CURA: Building Healthy, Sustainable Communities (1999) CURA: Bridges and Foundations (2001) Canada Research Chairs Program, Identity and Diversity Theme Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre (2001) Individual Faculty Research Initiatives

    29. To date, the University has yet to develop a broad-based research capacity in the Aboriginal area. We need to focus our research efforts and develop research expertise across a number of disciplines.

    30. Research Programs Can We Agree?: That the University of Saskatchewan will become a national centre of excellence in research directly related to Aboriginal peoples?

    31. Initial Steps … Meetings with key funding partners (such as SSHRC and CIHR) need to be arranged. Meetings of researchers to discuss potential areas for development and inclusion of Aboriginal research initiatives in the University’s Strategic Research Plan need to be arranged. A research protocol on Aboriginal topics needs to be completed.

    32. Community Outreach Initiatives The University of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of community outreach programs, but it has, to date, had limited capacity to develop close ties with Aboriginal communities within the province.

    33. Current Community Outreach Initiatives CURA: Building Healthy, Sustainable Communities CURA: Bridges and Foundations Northern Medical Services Program ITEP - Thunderchild Extension, NWTEP Northern Dental Program Aboriginal Partnership Agreement

    34. Community Outreach Initiatives Can We Agree?: That the University of Saskatchewan should be more visible, engaged, and knowledgeable about community issues? That the University of Saskatchewan should participate in locally-based research projects that are immediately relevant to Aboriginal communities?

    35. Initial Steps … A Needs assessment of urban and rural community needs should be conducted. A list of research projects that would be beneficial to both the University and the Aboriginal community should be generated. Areas in which Aboriginal employment can be strengthened should be identified in partnership with the Aboriginal community.

    36. Coordination The University of Saskatchewan has developed an impressive number of independent initiatives with limited connections among them. Coordination has been voluntary and information flows highly dependent on personal and programmatic connections.

    37. Coordination Can We Agree?: That the University of Saskatchewan should significantly enhance integration of its Aboriginal programs and services and develop effective working partnerships with the Aboriginal community?

    38. Initial Steps … Creation of a position, such as a special advisor or ambassador, to: provide a level of managerial direction and coordination of initiatives university-wide; provide advice to the President and Deans on the state of Aboriginal education initiatives on campus; represent the University to the Aboriginal communities; and provide University officials with information on cultural protocols.

    39. Moving Forward Each element of the proposed Conceptual Framework should have its own internal coordination with someone assigned primary responsibility for moving each element forward. Different structures for each element should be contemplated. To achieve the elements contained in the proposed Conceptual Framework, the University will require support from all members of the University community and from external partners, including Aboriginal organizations, government, and private-sector contributors.

    40. The Proposed Conceptual Framework

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