FNUniv and National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) release Final Report from Inaugural National Indigenous Identity Forum

On June 7, 2022, the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) released the findings from the inaugural National Indigenous Identity Forum, held virtually at FNUniv on March 9 and 10, 2022. The forum was convened to discuss Indigenous perspectives on identity and citizenship and wise practices to validate Indigenous-specific opportunities at academic institutions.  

“This was a collective nation-building exercise for all who attended. I was captivated by the rich and vibrant perspectives and conversations, and many teachings still linger for me to process.” FNUniv President, Dr, Jacqueline Ottmann stated, “Our Indigenous philosophies and teachings will guide a path forward because they are as applicable today as they were hundreds of years ago.”

The Indigenous Voices on Indigenous Identity, March 2022 report is publicly available on the FNUniv website at https://fnuniv.ca/wp-content/uploads/Indigenous-Voices-on-Indigenous-Identity_National-Indigenous-Identity-Forum_Report_March-22_June-22-FINAL.pdf.

A second two-day hybrid event will be held at FNUniv’s Regina campus on October 26 and 27, 2022. Similar to the inaugural forum, but with expanded contributions from Indigenous communities, it will be restricted to Indigenous participants and feature presentations, panels, and discussions with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, staff, students, scholars, and academics from across Canada.

The full media release can be viewed here.

Visit the National Indigenous Identity Forum for updates.