Release of Summary Report of the 2023 National Indigenous Citizenship Forum: Moving Beyond Indigenous Self-Identification at Canadian Post-Secondaries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2025

Release of Summary Report of the 2023 National Indigenous Citizenship Forum: Moving Beyond Indigenous Self-Identification at Canadian Post-Secondaries

Regina, SK – The National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) and the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) have released the Summary Report of the 2023 National Indigenous Citizenship Forum, held on March 21–22 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The forum, “Moving Beyond Indigenous Self-Identification at Canadian Post-Secondaries,” gathered Indigenous Elders, leaders, scholars, and community members to address Indigenous identity substantiation in post-secondary institutions. Hosted at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Treaty 4 Territory and accessible online, the event continued discussions from the inaugural 2022 forum.

FNUniv and NIUSLA were honoured to host this Indigenous-only space, fostering dialogue on the complex issues of validating citizenship for Indigenous-specific opportunities in academia with care, respect, and a willingness to learn from each other. Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, Executive Member of NIUSLA and FNUniv, stated, “This forum was a pivotal moment for Indigenous education in Canada. It highlighted the need for robust and respectful processes that honour Indigenous identities and ensure that opportunities meant for Indigenous peoples are accessed by those who rightfully belong to our communities.” The shared wisdom and feedback will guide the development of respectful frameworks and policies nationwide. The stories, collective wisdom, and feedback shared will serve as a roadmap as we develop frameworks and implement policies across the nation that respect Indigenous citizenship and sovereignty.

The forum featured a series of sessions and panels, including:

• Journalism Perspectives on Identity Fraud
• Media Tips for Indigenous Leaders on Citizenship Concerns
• Legal Perspectives on Indigenous Citizenship in the Academy
• Indigenous Citizenship in The Academy: One Year Later
• The Psychology of False Claims to Identity
• Elders’ Panel: Creating Space for Truth and Healing
  
  

Where Could We Go from Here? The forum provided a platform for participants to explore future directions and strategies for validating Indigenous citizenship in academic settings. Key recommendations included developing comprehensive frameworks, fostering collaboration between institutions and Indigenous communities and ensuring transparency and respect in all processes.

A summary of the discussions and recommendations from the forum was compiled in a “Kitchen Table Conversation” format, emphasizing the importance of community-driven solutions and collective wisdom. The Summary Report encapsulates the key findings, discussions, and recommendations from the forum. It serves as a valuable resource for post-secondary institutions, policymakers, and Indigenous communities striving to uphold the principles of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in academic settings.

Lori Campbell, Co-Chair of NIUSLA, emphasized,“The discussions and outcomes of this forum will guide us in creating more equitable and just practices within our institutions. We are committed to continuing this important work in partnership with Indigenous nations and communities.”

The Summary Report is now available for download on the FNUniv website. https://www.fnuniv.ca/about-us/niusla/. We encourage all stakeholders to review the report and join us in our efforts to advance Indigenous education and representation in Canada.

For more information, please contact:

• NIUSLA: Maria Morrison, NIUSLA Project Manager, mmorrison@firstnationsuniversity.ca
• FNUniv: Kristin Francis, Director of Communications, comm@firstnationsuniversity.ca

About NIUSLA

The National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) unites Indigenous senior leaders from universities across Canada to advance Indigenous governance, leadership, and reconciliation in post-secondary education. NIUSLA fosters collaboration, advocates for systemic change, and supports Indigenous student success and faculty development. The association works with universities, governments, and Indigenous communities to strengthen Indigenous inclusion in academia. For more information, visit: www.fnuniv.ca/about-us/niusla.

About FNUniv:

Established in 1976, the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) is Canada’s only national First Nations-owned Indigenous post-secondary institution. FNUniv is a unique place of higher learning that specializes in Indigenous Education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of all cultural backgrounds. FNUniv’s vision is to have a transformative impact by bridging Indigenous ceremonies, knowledge keepers, languages, and traditions with the delivery of high-quality postsecondary education. For more information, please visit www.fnuniv.ca.

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