This text is part of the special Higher Education notebook
The University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) is implementing a process to integrate Indigenous perspectives into all its study programs by 2026. This is the first approach of its kind within French-speaking Quebec universities .
“There have been four commissions of inquiry since 1995. Each time, the same thing comes up: the ignorance of Quebecers and Canadians [envers les réalités autochtones] », sighs Janet Mark, strategic advisor for reconciliation and indigenous education at the Mamawi Mikimodan Service at UQAT. “Whether you’re an engineer, an elementary school teacher, a social worker, at some point, you’re going to find yourself in a situation where you’re going to work with Indigenous people. Universities have a big role to play in educating society. »
Several departments at UQAT have already taken the initiative to make changes to their programs, explains M.me Mark. For example, the optional course Indigenous social environment is offered to undergraduate social work students. Some departments have recognized the Joyce Principle, created following the death of Joyce Echaquan and which requires recognition and respect for traditional indigenous knowledge and knowledge in health matters. Two new courses are also being developed in the program in digital creation, 3D and video games. Other programs have taken steps to ensure better cultural security. Finally, the School of Indigenous Studies is the only university department entirely dedicated to Indigenous studies in Quebec.
With this approach, UQAT seeks to make this type of initiative systematic. “Those who develop programs must specify how they will include indigenous perspectives; what content will they cover, will they invite an indigenous speaker? » explains Janet Mark. To develop a course, certificate or baccalaureate, teachers rely on templates and evaluation forms in which they must describe the content covered. They will now have to think about and propose content that includes indigenous perspectives.
“It’s going to take time to go through all the programs,” notes Janet Mark, very enthusiastic about this process which she considers essential. “We found a way to make changes in a systemic, profound way. It’s a construction site! » UQAT hopes to achieve this change in all of its programs by 2026 through close collaboration between the deanship of studies and the Mamawi Mikimodan Service, a body that offers support for reconciliation through education and dialogue.
An approach “in the DNA of UQAT”
“Before it was sexy, from the creation of UQAT, we were already involved in indigenous issues,” explains the rector of the University, Vincent Rousson. When it was created in 1983, UQAT was the only one to bear the name of a territory – resulting from the mobilization in the region for the creation of the institution – and not of a city, illustrates Mr. Rousson.
The latter adds that Indigenous partners were quickly included in the governance of the university, and that the institution has long injected millions of dollars for student services or programs intended for Indigenous people. “It’s part of our DNA,” he says, adding that he himself enrolled in an Anishinaabemowin language course to show respect for the culture and better communicate with local stakeholders.
“We hope that each student, whether indigenous or non-indigenous, takes at least one course during their baccalaureate and that each department has a compulsory course on indigenous realities,” the rector hopes.
UQAT’s approach could even produce small ones. The Interuniversity Cooperation Office (BCI), which aims to promote exchanges between university administrators around common projects, is closely interested in the achievements of UQAT and the Mamawi Mikimodan Service on this subject, according to the rector.
“We are a step ahead, but we are also here to support these partners [universitaires]. This is promising for the future! » exclaims Vincent Rousson, his eyes shining. The young rector does not stop himself from dreaming big. After the creation of the Kiuna college studies center, would it be possible to open an indigenous university for and by the first peoples?
“Through our actions, we try to change the world,” concludes Vincent Rousson with passion. “That’s what a university is made for: to change the world, little by little. »
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