Welcome to the Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Council (IERC)

Who are we?

Guided by Elders and Knowledge Holders, IERC formed in 2016 and is part of Faculty governance. We are a gathering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous SFU Faculty of Education faculty, staff, and students. We meet 'in a circle' by zoom and in-person every two weeks and all are welcome to join the circle!

What do we do?

• We guide the Faculty of Education in their work to enact UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, ARC Report Walk this Path, Aboriginal Strategic Plan (OAP), and Faculty of Education Strategic Plan.
  
• We provide guidance, support, and recommendations on matters relating to Indigenous education and outreach in the Faculty of Education.
• We endeavour to ensure that our Faculty is welcoming and inclusive for Indigenous students, scholars, and communities;
• We challenge and enrich the life of the Faculty of Education through professional learning opportunities and Indigenous scholarship, pedagogy, and practice. We do this work with the guidance of Elders and Knowledge Holders;
• We support the work of the Faculty in seeking to know and to understand the ongoing intergenerational impacts of Canada's oppressive and colonial policies upon Indigenous Peoples.

How can you get involved?

Each member of the circle brings their own unique talents and interests to the work of IERC. Our work is evolving and we welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty and staff to join us as we provide Indigenous student support; offer welcoming gathering places; advance policy and Indigenous governance; promote professional development for staff and faculty (book club; knowledge holders); encourage inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in programs and curricula, and initiate and support special projects.

All of this work helps to meet the original aims identified for IERC:

• Ensure that Faculty Indigenous activities are congruent with the Vision for Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education and are aligned with the intent of the University's vision and its First Nations Strategic Plan.
• Consider and make recommendations on matters relating to Indigenous activities in the Faculty of Education.
• Challenge and enrich the life of the Faculty of Education through ongoing engagement with Indigenous educational scholarship and practice; this requires a knowledgeable Faculty that seeks to know and understand the ongoing intergenerational impact of Canada's oppressive and colonial policies upon Indigenous Peoples.

We hope you can join us in this important work and walk with us on the path forward to truth and reconciliation!

Key Documents