Press Release
Friday, March 19, 2021
Declaration of Commitment Signed Between the Université de Moncton and Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc.
Today the Université de Moncton and the Mi’kmaq Chiefs of Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) held a virtual signing of a Declaration of Commitment that responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
“The Université de Moncton wishes to dedicate a more important place to Indigenous representation and culture,” noted the institution’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Denis Prud’homme. “The signature of this Declaration of Commitment represents another step toward reconciliation with the two great nations of our province. Our university is determined to strengthen its relationships with the First Nations, especially the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik. We need not only to have faith in the relationship that unites us, but also intensify our efforts to ensure collaboration and dialogue.”
“Over the past number of months, representatives from both MTI and the Université de Moncton have met, discussed, collaborated and ultimately agreed on opportunities that will benefit the Mi’kmaq and all Indigenous persons in this province. MTI would like to thank the Université de Moncton for their willingness and commitment to implement change throughout their organization. This is what reconciliation looks like. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Université de Moncton years to come,” said Chief Rebecca Knockwood, Co-Chair of MTI and Chief of Fort Folly.
The signatories to the Declaration of Commitment formally commit their organizations to preparing and implementing a five-year action plan based on the following five major directions:
1. Increase our Indigenous presence (student population, teaching and non-teaching staff) and ensure that there is a framework for participation by Indigenous persons from New Brunswick in the governance of the Université de Moncton.
2. Provide a study and living environment that fosters the development of Indigenous students and supports their success.
3. Strengthen relationships between the three campuses of the Université de Moncton and Indigenous persons, notably the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik, and find ways to meet the needs that they identify with respect to instruction, research, development, creation and community engagement.
4. Integrate Indigenous knowledge and cultures into programs of studies at the Université de Moncton and encourage intercultural engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the university community.
5. Increase the visibility of research, development and creation activities carried out by or with Indigenous persons in all disciplines, especially in the three priority areas of development (Acadian and minority studies, health and environment).
The Université de Moncton recognizes that its Moncton and Shippagan campuses are located on unceded ancestral Mi'kmaq lands. The flag of the Mi'kmaq Nation has flown over them permanently since 2019. A portrait of Molly Muise, a highly-respected Mi'kmaq elder from the 19th century, was painted on the Lafrance Residence on the Moncton campus in 2017, where she proudly welcomes the members of the university community when they arrive on campus.
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