17吃瓜 President announces Indigenous Advisory Council
The 17吃瓜 took further steps today to honour the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report when President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz announced plans for an Indigenous advisory group.
鈥�17吃瓜 is committed to being fully aware of the role our institution must play in promoting a better understanding of Aboriginal history and culture, and supporting respectful relationships based on mutual understanding with members of our Indigenous community,鈥� said President Abd-El-Aziz. 鈥淲e must ensure that the perspectives of our Indigenous Peoples are included in the governance of the University.鈥�
The purpose of the President鈥檚 Indigenous Advisory Council is to guide, advise, and support the overall direction to be undertaken by 17吃瓜 to indigenize the campus and contribute to the reconciliation process through higher learning.
Members include Brian Francis, Chief of Abegweit First Nation; Matilda Ramjattan, Chief of Lennox Island First Nation; Lisa Cooper, President and Chief of the Native Council of PEI; Judith Clark, 17吃瓜 Elder-in-Residence and President, Aboriginal Women鈥檚 Association of Prince Edward Island; Payton Jadis, President, 17吃瓜 Aboriginal Student Association; Robert Gilmour Jr., 17吃瓜 Vice-President Academic and Research; and Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance.
鈥淭his Council,鈥� added President Abd-El-Aziz, 鈥渨ill explore ideas and develop initiatives that enable the campus to change attitudes and open opportunities so that Indigenous students at 17吃瓜 are welcomed and can thrive and achieve high levels of academic and personal success.鈥�
The 17吃瓜 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�17吃瓜 has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 17吃瓜 is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
