Reconciliation, Indigenization, Decolonization

NIC is committed to reconciliation, Indigenization, decolonization through action - a commitment to develop meaningful relationships, to listen and to learn from the Indigenous communities we are so fortunate to serve.

The concepts of reconciliation, Indigenization and decolonization require specific interrelated actions. We invite you to explore these terms and NIC initiatives as we work together to create pathways to meaningful change grounded in our collective voice.

Reconciliation: advancing the 94 Calls to Action as presented by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Our individual and collective commitment to action in our lives, work, communities and organizations is a vital aspect of reconciliation. We must draw on the guiding principles of TRC to build awareness of the past, acknowledge the harms, atone for the causes of those harms, and take action to change behaviours and the ongoing legacy of residential schools.

Indigenization: is the ongoing process that calls upon us to create transformative environments across our college that promote weaving local Indigenous knowledge systems together with the distinct knowledge systems reflected across our college community. Indigenization supports a fundamental shift that enables learners, faculty and staff to understand, appreciate and mutually respect one another.

Decolonization: deconstructing colonial institutional constructs, ideologies and superiority to advance the reclamation, recovery, resurgence and renewal of Indigenous culture, language and holistic relationships with self, spirit, land, community and others.

North Island College (NIC) is honoured to acknowledge the traditional territories of the combined 35 First Nations of the Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish traditions, on whose traditional and unceded territories the College’s campuses are situated.