UPEI’s new Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies ready for start of new academic year
A historic event took place at UPEI recently when members of the University’s new Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS) gathered to get to know each other and talk about teaching their first courses this fall.
The new faculty was created by the UPEI Board of Governors in November 2021 as one of the first steps on the University’s journey of reconciliation and in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. IKERAS brings Indigenous knowledge and ways of doing to the forefront of the University, positioning UPEI as the role model for all universities to achieve decolonization and benefit from Indigenous knowledge.
Under the leadership of Dr. Gary Evans, interim dean, IKERAS courses will be taught by four assistant professors and 10 sessional instructors, all of whom are Indigenous.
Evans said that as far as he can determine, the IKERAS is the first university faculty of its kind in Canada. Starting this fall, students will be able to take courses offered by the faculty and, in fact, will be able to minor in Indigenous Studies. Work is underway to develop a major in Indigenous Studies.
One of the courses, IKE 1040: Indigenous Teachings of Turtle Island, is mandatory for all incoming undergraduate students. In order to graduate, all students must take this course at some point during their university education.
Assistant professor David Varis, who is Cree and a member of the UPEI Indigenous Circle, said the course, which was offered during the first summer session at UPEI, covers Indigenous history, cultures, and practices.
“We talk about some very heavy topics, such as intergenerational trauma as a result of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, but we will also talk about healing. And we talk a bit about what’s taking place across Turtle Island Indigenous Peoples and how they’re reclaiming their cultures.”
Dr. Judy Clark, Elder-in-Residence at UPEI, said that she is excited about the creation and development of the new faculty. She is particularly pleased that non-Indigenous students now have new opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and how Indigenous ways are connected with so many courses and disciplines at UPEI.
“Our ancestors are giving us the opportunity to move forward and share our knowledge of who we are as Indigenous peoples.”
Evans is very proud of the new faculty. “We have failed to educate Canadians, international students, and newcomers about the true history of Canada. Now we have the chance to correct this and share our history, culture, and traditions with them.”
The new faculty is the latest initiative implemented by the University on its journey of reconciliation and to provide a supportive environment to Indigenous students. Some of the other measures in place include the presentation of keepsake stoles to Indigenous graduates at Convocation last May; placement of a traditional tipi on the campus grounds; provision of academic support to Indigenous students through Accessibility Services; inclusion of land acknowledgments on UPEI’s web pages; and placement of Indigenous posters or artwork in campus buildings.
