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Indigenous Relations Initiative
The 涩里番 School of Continuing Studies (SCS) acknowledges that it sits on the traditional territory of the Kanien鈥檏eh谩:ka and Anishinabeg, a place of gathering and exchange for many First Nations.
SCS is committed to advancing truth and reconciliation and to providing access to the highest-quality higher education for Indigenous Peoples.
Mission
As part of 涩里番鈥檚 School of Continuing Studies' strategic commitment to access and belonging, the Indigenous Relations Initiative endeavours to advance reconciliation through inclusive, decolonized lifelong learning that centers Indigenous learners, knowledge systems, and communities. Guided by respect, reciprocity, and self-determination, SCS works in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to co-create culturally safe programs, to actively support equitable pathways to education, and meaningful institutional change.
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Vision
We see SCS as a national leader in building flexible, community-driven pathways to higher education鈥攁n institution that meets learners where they are, in spirit and geography, and walks with them on their educational journey. We aim to create learning environments that are culturally safe, accessible, and empowering, grounded in Indigenous values and driven by Indigenous voices.
Through sustained partnerships with Indigenous organizations, Nations, and Knowledge Keepers, we will:
- Embed Indigenous knowledge across programs and practice,
- Support Indigenous applied research and practical innovation,
- Transform physical and symbolic spaces to reflect Indigenous presence and leadership,
- And engage in continual self-reflection, listening, and learning to ensure our work upholds the commitments of truth and reconciliation.
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In this shared vision, SCS becomes not only a place of learning, but a space of transformation, where reconciliation is not a gesture but a lived practice, and where Indigenous futures are supported with courage, care, and conviction. In this way, SCS is a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices in Indigenous adult education.
Guiding Principles
- Respect for Indigenous sovereignty, culture, and worldviews
- Reciprocity and relationship-based collaboration
- Equity in access and opportunity
IRI Action Plan
The 2025-2030 IRI Action Plan reflects a number of collaborative efforts and conversations, including research and engagement within SCS, as well as external engagement with past and present Indigenous partners and consultations with Indigenous experts and stakeholders.
The result outlines a bold and necessary path toward reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenous inclusion in continuing and professional education at 涩里番鈥檚 SCS, directed by the Provost鈥檚 Task Force on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education, 涩里番鈥檚 52 Calls to Action, and particularly the School of Continuing Studies鈥� 2026 鈥� 2031 Strategic Plan.
Strategic Goals
Goal 1: Strengthen Indigenous Governance and Leadership
- Action 1.1: Establish an SCS Indigenous Advisory Council.
- Action 1.2: Appoint an Indigenous Associate Director to the SCS senior leadership team.
- Action 1.3: Ensure Indigenous engagement on important decisions.
Goal 2: Decolonize Curriculum and Teaching Practices
- Action 2.1: Co-create Indigenous-focused micro-credentials and certificates.
- Action 2.2: Integrate Indigenous perspectives into all relevant academic content.
- Action 2.3: Offer workshops on Indigenous epistemologies and methodologies.
- Action 2.4: Create sustained engagement with 涩里番 through the creation of a stackable bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Goal 3: Create Culturally Safe Spaces and Visible Representation
- Action 3.1: Establish a welcoming Indigenous student and community space at SCS.
- Action 3.2: Display Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe art and territorial acknowledgments.
- Action 3.3: Host seasonal land-based events in partnership with local Nations.
Goal 4: Build Cultural Safety and Capacity Within SCS
- Action 4.1: Develop and offer Indigenous cultural awareness training.
- Action 4.2: Facilitate immersive professional development with Indigenous partners.
- Action 4.3: Institutionalize participation in reconciliation-focused activities
Goal 5: Deepen Community Partnerships and Economic Empowerment
- Action 5.1: Expand existing partnerships to collaborate with Indigenous organizations in Montreal to bring adult learning and professional development to urban Indigenous populations.
- Action 5.2: Co-create community employment readiness programs.
Goal 6: Advance Indigenous Student and Successor Generation Leadership Recruitment and Success
- Action 6.1: Create an Indigenous Student Success position that is dedicated to providing guidance and academic support.
- Action 6.2: Establish bursaries, scholarships and other wraparound financial supports for Indigenous learners and community-based programming.
- Action 6.3: Develop a student ambassador peer mentorship program.
- Action 6.4: Develop a fellowship and/or experiential learning program to cultivate Indigenous faculty and staff in continuing education.
- Action 6.5: Bolster alumni participation in the SCS community.
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涩里番 School of Continuing Studies, Dean鈥檚 Office - Indigenous Initiative
680 Sherbrooke St. West, Suite 1140, Montreal, QC, H3A 3R1
Program information
Fax: 514-398-3108 听 | 听 indigenousrelations.scs [at] mcgill.ca
