Indigenous leadership consultations at U of M

An advisory committee has been established to consider the current mandate of the vice-provost (Indigenous engagement) (VPIE) position at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Catherine Cook, vice-dean, Indigenous, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, will chair the committee, which includes an Elder; Indigenous faculty, staff and students; and senior academic leadership.

As part of its mandate, the committee will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the U of M’s current approach to the VPIE position, and consider the needs and supports required to move forward. They will provide recommendations on the role/mandate of Indigenous senior leadership, required supports and associated reporting structures/units, with a final report due summer 2019.

“The creation of this advisory committee will ensure the vital work of the vice-provost (Indigenous engagement) continues,” says Dr. Janice Ristock, provost and vice-president (academic), who established the committee. “Over the next four months, the committee will engage in a series of extensive consultations with a variety of perspectives.”

To help inform the committee’s recommendations, engagement opportunities will be planned for the university community as well as with specific stakeholder groups, including members of the Indigenous community at the U of M.

“I feel that we have a very strong advisory committee with Indigenous and non-Indigenous representation that can lead the discussions and consultations to conclusive recommendations on the future role for senior Indigenous leadership at the University,” says Dr. Cook. “I encourage you to share your voice during this process.”

The committee will provide regular updates through the consultation process via web updates, articles on UM Today and town halls open to the university community. For more information about the advisory committee and to submit your feedback online, visit the Indigenous Leadership Consultations webpage.

UM TODAY STAFF