By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and students at Concordia University. Together, we are asking President Alan Shepard (GM 801) and Provost Benoit-Antoine Bacon (GM 806) to make a commitment to Indigenous Engagement at Concordia by including the following text in the preamble of Concordia's next Strategic Plan:

In respect for the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation's territory in which the University finds itself, and in the interest of forging a future of cooperation, collaboration, and respect, Concordia will advance opportunities with Indigenous people on its campuses and in the wider community.

In response to the expressed needs and aspirations of Indigenous peoples, Concordia will develop curricula, engage in research, and provide support services across the University that respect, reflect and include Indigenous cultures, histories and systems of knowledge. In both academics and operations, the University will address issues of ignorance and misunderstanding resulting from educational failures of the past and present for Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. 

The University will strive to ensure that Indigenous students, staff, and faculty find their perceptions and experiences valued in the classroom, on campus, and among their peers. In creating and sustaining an environment of opportunity and support, the University will be a partner in assisting Indigenous communities in educating their next generation of leaders and facilitating the vitality of Indigenous communities.

Furthermore, we support the following suggestions for making concrete the commitments expressed above:

1. The creation of an Indigenous Advisory Council at the Presidential level, including representation from the local Indigenous communities;

2. Reviewing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, and discussing how the University can respond to those directed at educational institutions;

3. Establishing a First Peoples House to serve as a highly visible and productive centre of Indigenous culture, teaching, research and student life at Concordia;

4. Expanding Concordia's ability to support Indigenous research grounded in the community.