Message from the Provost: Supporting Indigenous Students and Colleagues
This message is sent on behalf of Catherine Dauvergne, vice-president, academic and provost. It has been sent to all faculty and staff.
Following a week of discussions with First Nations, Métis and Inuit delegations, today Pope Francis shared an apology for the conduct of some members of the Roman Catholic Church in the residential school system in Canada.
A request for an apology from the Pope is included in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) report, specifically call to action 58 “Church Apologies and Reconciliation.” The importance of this act is something that was heard during the TRC journey of listening.
This news will be emotional for many Indigenous people, and will require time and space to process. Please take time if you need it.
Indigenous students, faculty and staff can access the following supports:
- Students:
- The Indigenous Student Centre has created a list of resources.
- SFU Health and Counselling has supports available specifically for Indigenous students.
- Faculty and staff:
- The Employee and Family Assistance Program is available for faculty, staff and their immediate families.
- Community:
- The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has a 24-hour crisis line can be reached at 1-800-721-0066 for those who need immediate support.
- The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides an Indigenous-specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's toll-free and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717.
- The First Nations Health Authority offers support specifically for survivors and families who have been directly impacted by the Indian residential school system.
I ask faculty and staff to educate themselves on ways to offer support for Indigenous colleagues and students who are navigating trauma. For those of us who are non-Indigenous, taking responsibility to build our knowledge is an important part of reconciliation.
Please consider flexibility on deadlines or attendance and familiarize yourself with the supports listed above. A full list of learning resources available to the SFU community can be found through the RESPECT project website. I also encourage you to re-read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action, as well as the SFU-ARC report.
Sincerely,
Dr. Catherine Dauvergne, QC
Vice-President, Academic and Provost
Simon Fraser University