University of Sudbury and Kenjgewin Teg announces agreement “By, for and with” Indigenous peoples

Sudbury – The University of Sudbury is pleased to announce that it is fulfilling the commitment made by the Board of Governors on March 11, 2021, to find a solution “By, for and with” the Indigenous population of the Northeastern Ontario regarding Indigenous Studies. by signing an Agreement with Kenjgewin Teg located in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island (Mnidoo Mnising).

Pursuant to the agreement, the University of Sudbury has transferred its intellectual property in certain Indigenous Studies online courses that were previously offered by its Indigenous Studies Department to Kenjgewin Teg. Kenjgewin Teg intends to provide northern students and communities with a high-quality education in Indigenous studies that is managed by and for Indigenous peoples. To do so, Kenjgewin Teg intends to develop Indigenous studies programming and to open a campus at the University of Sudbury.

For University of Sudbury President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Serge Miville, the agreement reflects the university’s values of collaboration, partnership and commitment: “This is a historic gesture of reconciliation and empowerment, which respects the autonomy of Indigenous peoples. That is why we are proud of our agreement with Kenjgewin Teg.”

Kenjgewin Teg President, Stephanie Roy, emphasizes the reconciliatory nature of the University of Sudbury’s action: “This agreement is a gesture of reconciliation by the University of Sudbury with Indigenous peoples. It is a concrete, constructive and bold action that goes beyond symbolic gestures and words and recognizes the legitimacy of our communities to manage our education.”