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�Ӱ�ԭ�� University has adopted two policies to verify Indigenous identity for employment competitions, academic programs and awards, grants, bursaries and scholarships that are limited to Indigenous candidates.

Both policies were developed over multiple years in a consultative process to ensure accountability, accessibility and inclusivity. First Nation, Métis and Inuit community members and Indigenous service providers provided input, as well as the Indigenous Education Council and the Algonquin and Inuit Advisory Councils at the University.

Both policies represent a significant step forward in �Ӱ�ԭ��’s commitment to conciliation as outlined in the Kinàmàgawin Report. The verification and assessment processes will maintain the integrity of �Ӱ�ԭ��’s hiring practices and strengthen community connections, contribute to the well-being and safety of all Indigenous faculty, staff and students and increase collective knowledge on the problematic issue of Indigenous identity appropriation in academia.

The policies are available on the University Policies website. Town halls will be held over the Fall and Winter terms to provide the �Ӱ�ԭ�� community with an opportunity to share dialogue around the implementation process and to understand the issues and reasons behind these policies.

Hiring Policy

The Hiring Policy for Positions Limited to Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit and Métis) Candidates aims to protect positions intended to bring the richness of Indigenous lived experience and knowledge into �Ӱ�ԭ��’s classrooms. The Policy validates the identity of applicants for roles reserved for Indigenous candidates and will be integrated with existing hiring processes for faculty, contract instructors and professional staff. 

“As Canadian universities work towards the establishment of well-rounded and culturally respectful policies for Indigenous faculty, contract instructors and professional staff, it is paramount that �Ӱ�ԭ��’s hiring processes for Indigenous-specific positions be conducted in good faith to verify the identity of applicants,” said Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Teaching, Learning and Research) Kahente Horn-Miller.

Admissions and Awards Policy

The Admissions and Awards Limited to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) Candidates Policy outlines a process to verify the Indigenous identity of applicants who apply to Indigenous-specific program seats or awards, grants, bursaries, and scholarships in order to ensure there is a clearly defined way to address potential Indigenous identity fraud.

“The importance of ensuring that awards intended for Indigenous students are received by Indigenous students cannot be understated,” said Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement Director Benny Michaud.

“Universities are navigating the rise in fraudulent claims to Indigenous identities, so having policies to protect the integrity of Indigenous student supports is necessary.”