The importance of the forum

Since 2015, Canadian universities, supported by Universities Canada, have organized an annual forum bringing together leaders from universities, colleges, and Indigenous communities to create meaningful and lasting institutional change in the higher education sector to advance reconciliation.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) submitted its inquiry report highlighting the violence and trauma experienced by Canadian Indigenous children forcibly placed in residential schools. The disastrous consequences of that assimilation process orchestrated by the Canadian government are still being felt many years after the institutions closed.

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Messages from the Forum Chairs

Universities Canada

Despite these challenging times, Université Laval, the Université du Québec network, and all their partners have done a remarkable job to ensure that universities in Québec and across Canada can continue working towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

While we will be unable to meet in person in 2020, the Forum hosts have made every effort so that members of the university community can get together virtually to take part in a program that will inspire them to fall into step with First Peoples students. We are delighted to have the opportunity to maintain our momentum via virtual sessions until we are able, once again, to gather safely in person for the National Building Reconciliation Forum.

Paul Davidson
President of Universities Canada


Université Laval and Université du Québec

Kuei, hello, bonjour!

It is with great pride that Université Laval, the Université du Québec network, and their partners will host the 6th edition of the National Building Reconciliation Forum in Québec City, in September 2021.

Together with representatives of education organizations in nations across Québec, we aim to rally stakeholders in this far-reaching initiative and encourage them to “fall into step with First Peoples students.” We invite you to join in by taking part in five webinars designed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Indigenous students and propose mechanisms and initiatives to advance the reconciliation process with the First Peoples. Given how complex the notion of reconciliation in education is, we will kick off the discussion by drawing on the experience and vision of 11 ambassadors (students and graduates alike) from each of Québec’s First Nations and Inuit peoples.

We believe the Forum is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity to engage and take action—together—to co-construct a shared future built on respectful and inclusive relationships. We hope you can join us!

Tshinashkumitin, thank you, merci!

Michèle Audette
Senior Advisor, Reconciliation and Indigenous Education
Université Laval

Johanne Jean
President
Université du Québec

Governance Committee

  • Michèle Audette, Université Laval
  • Brigitte Bigué, Institut nordique du Québec (INQ)
  • Nadine Gros-Louis, First Nations Education Council (FNEC)
  • Prudence Hannis, Institution Kiuna
  • Johanne Jean, Université du Québec
  • Mathieu Lépine, Fédération des Cégeps
  • Janet Mark, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)
  • Nian Matoush, Cree School Board
  • Roger Robidoux, Commission scolaire Kativik Ilisarniliriniq
  • Thierry Rodon, Ciera, Université Laval
  • Tanya Sirois, Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ)
  • Caroline Talbot, Institut Tshakapesh
  • Madeline Uniam, Naskapi Education Committee
  • Francis Verreault-Paul, Nikanite, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)
  • Elder: Élisabeth Ashini
  • Chair, Programming Committee: Pierre Martineau, Centre de développement de la formation et de la main-d’œuvre Huron-Wendat
  • Observer: Hanna Jevne, Universities Canada
  • Facilitator: Alexandre Bacon, Ashukan Stratégies

Programming Committee

  • Kathleen André, Institut Tshakapesh
  • Andrée Labrie, Université de Montréal
  • Pierre Martineau, Centre de développement de la formation et de la main-d’œuvre Huron-Wendat
  • Annie Pilote, Université Laval
  • Loretta Robinson, First Nations Education Council (FNEC)
  • Julie Rock, Nikanite, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)
  • Catherine Savard, Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ)
  • Manon Tremblay, Concordia University
  • Sabrina Trottier, Cégep de St-Félicien

Organizing Committee

  • Marie-José Fortin, Université du Québec
  • Michel De Waele, Université Laval
  • Eve-Lyne Rondeau, Université du Québec
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