Winnipeg, Manitoba – Yesterday afternoon, the University of Manitoba Senate successfully approved a proposal from the UM Faculty of Arts to require students to complete a minimum of three credit hours from a list of courses that satisfy a new Indigenous Content requirement.
Beginning in Fall 2021, new students entering into a general, advanced, honours, or integrated studies undergraduate program can expect to see this requirement listed upon commencing their studies. Current students will not be affected by this change, although they are still encouraged to take the recommended courses. The list of courses which satisfy the Indigenous Content Requirement include NATV 1200, NATV 1220, NATV 1240, NATV 2080, NATV/HIST 2020, NATV 2012/HIST 2010, HIST 4120, POLS 2802, POLS 3870, SOC 3762, WOMN 2630.
Upon the presentation of the proposal at the Senate, UMSU amplified concerns expressed by Indigenous student representatives, asking for additional resources and measures to be designed to support Indigenous learners within these classes. While the Indigenous Content requirement has been a lobbying priority of UMSU for years, this criticism follows years of consultation on the implementation of this requirement and the impact it may have on the positive learning environment of Indigenous students.
UMSU President, Jelynn Dela Cruz questioned: “With many new students potentially registering for these courses out of obligation, what measures has the Faculty considered to ensure that our Indigenous classmates, who are survivors of intergenerational trauma, are not being singled-out, retraumatized, and put in an environment that is counter-productive to their own learning?” Several UM senators echoed Dela Cruz’s comments, including the University Vice-President Indigenous, Dr. Catherine Cook.
In response, the University President, Dr. Michael Benarroch provided sentiments that it remains a collective responsibility for the University community to call out acts like racism and ignorance. Representatives of the UM Faculty of Arts mentioned that they will be working diligently on mitigating the issue.
Said UMSU Indigenous Students’ Representative, Alicia Kubrakovich: “This decision was a long time coming and I commend the Faculty of Arts for taking the initiative on this one small step towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. I look forward to seeing the progress continue into other academic programs and for resources to be offered for Indigenous students where necessary.”
Added Dela Cruz: “While we are registered students today, we are leaders of industries and communities tomorrow. An Indigenous Content requirement is integral to the University’s efforts in graduating informed and well-rounded citizens, who have an understanding of the history of the land, its peoples, and our independent roles in decolonizing the institutions that we are privileged enough to be in.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jelynn Dela Cruz, UMSU President – pres@umsu.ca
Alicia Kubrakovich, UMSU Indigenous Students’ Representative – indigenousrep@umsu.ca
