Indigenous Advisory Council

The Indigenous Advisory Council is a standing committee which contributes to developing opportunities to incorporate the Truth & Reconciliation Commissions’ Calls to Action to the College’s programs and services. The membership includes representation from across the College. The Indigenous Advisory Council receives its mandate from the Office of the President and is accountable to the same. It acts as a recommending body to the Senior Leadership Team regarding strategic goals and objectives regarding Indigenous programs and services. 

The Indigenous Advisory Council has the following:

Purpose
The Indigenous Advisory Council is a standing committee which contributes to developing opportunities to incorporate the Truth & Reconciliation Commissions’ Calls to Action to the college’s programs and services.

The Indigenous Advisory Council functions in an advisory capacity only and does not have responsibility for the delivery, implementation, or management of programs or services.

Objectives

1. Provide strategic advice and recommendations regarding programs and services to support alignment with the College’s strategic initiatives.
   
   
2. Advise on and recommend training and development activities supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ Calls to Action for staff and students.
   
   
3. Specific Objectives:

A. Provide guidance on strategic planning and processes of Indigenous Advisory Council initiatives.

B. Advise on College response to Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as they relate to post-secondary colleges.

C. Advise on alignment with the articles contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People that are applicable to our College context.

D. Advocate for and provide recommendations to support Indigenous education as a priority.

E. Provide recommendations to leadership regarding governance structures that recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.

F. Provide advice on educational programs and services to support cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples and reconciliation, which is relevant to learners and communities.

G. Provide recommendations to leadership on approaches to enhance understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

H. Advise on relationship-building approaches with Indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education and training.

I. Presents recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team for advice and recommendation to the President via the Vice President, Academic.

J. Provide input into the development and review of College policy, procedures and regulations.

K. Review and provide recommendations on strategies, processes, metrics and goals to improve the quality of all initiatives.

Employee Development
In response to the Calls to Action, Northern Lakes College created Engaging Indigenous Learners, a professional development course which all employees must complete. The course consists of independent modules to help those in the educational field work effectively with Indigenous learners. Emphasis is placed on awareness, trust, and a genuine desire to embrace diversity, as well as different ways of learning. The modules are designed so they can stand alone as individual references to areas of engaging Indigenous learners or be studied in succession.