Advancing Indigenization and Reconciliation Across Durham College

Durham College (DC) continues to strengthen its commitment to Indigenization in integrating Indigenous perspectives and fostering a supportive environment for Indigenous students.

Over the past year, teams across the college implemented a number of actions to honour Indigenous cultures, support Indigenous students, and contribute to the broader goals of reconciliation and decolonization in education.

Through cultural programming, student support, and community events, Suswaaning Endaajig – First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC), continued to advance Indigenous learning and engagement across campus. Activities included Elder-led teachings and Sharing Circles on Residential Schools and reconciliation. They hosted campus-wide events; partnered with the Centre for Teaching and Learning on faculty development; collaborated with community partners, including the Durham Community Health Centre, to provide Traditional Healing services; and amplified Indigenous authors and resources online.

Meaningful steps were taken to embed Indigenous perspectives into teaching and learning. This included the introduction of the Braiding Learning Framework, which integrates and harmonizes diverse pedagogical practices to foster inclusive, engaging, and empowering learning environments. By weaving together different ways of knowing, the framework supports safer and more collaborative educational spaces that honour both cultural and academic excellence within lifelong learning.

Stories of Indigenous students and alumni were shared widely, including a feature on the installation of an Indigenous student artist’s painting of the 13 Moons in prominent locations on the Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

The college further advanced Indigenous-led and Indigenous-informed research practices. The Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship hosted training on the First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®) and offered a presentation focused on Indigenous community-based research as part of the Voices of Impact speaker series.

“Indigenization is about more than visibility, it is about creating environments where Indigenous students feel supported, Indigenous voices are valued, and Indigenous knowledge is respected,” said Dr. Kayla Murphy, Director, Indigenous Initiatives. “The progress made this past year reflects a growing commitment across the college to do this work thoughtfully and with care, while recognizing there is still much to learn.”

Looking ahead, Durham College remains committed to continuing this work in collaboration with Indigenous communities, students, and employees. By building on the actions already underway, the college will continue to advance reconciliation in ways that are intentional, informed, and responsive.