Research and Scholarship Working Group

Purpose 

The role of the Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Task Force was to provide strategic direction and leadership guiding the advancement of reconciliation and decolonization efforts at the University of Guelph.  The Research and Scholarship Working Group provided focused attention and work on research and scholarship with and for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities including: 

• Engagement of Indigenous peoples and organizations

• Ethical research practices

• Indigenous knowledge and research methodologies

• Graduate Student Research 

The Working Group had the following objectives and responsibilities: 

• Reviewing past and current campus initiatives, programs and services

• Engaging and facilitate forums for learning and reflection with campus, community and relevant partners

• Recommending reviews and revisions to existing University policies, practices and procedures relating to the Working Group’s area of focus

• Identifying goals and expected outcomes that will allow the university to accelerate progress towards indigenization and decolonization

• Formulating final recommendations towards the development of the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy

Term 

Completion of the development of the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy. 

Membership 

The membership of the Working Group included students, faculty, staff and community members including Indigenous individuals.  Members had expertise and experience in a range of areas.   

Other University of Guelph staff, faculty or students, as well as Indigenous community and professionals external to the University, were added as needed.  

Meetings 

The Working Group determined their own schedule but normally met once a month.   

Roles and Responsibilities  

The Chair of the Working Group was responsible for: 

• Championing and leading the work of the Working Group

• Serving as the interface between the Steering Committee and the Working Group

• Calling monthly meetings, approving meeting agendas and chairing the meetings 

• Coordinating additional meetings, as required

• Ensuring action and follow-up is taken on initiatives approved by the Steering Committee or Working Group

The Members of the Working Group were responsible for: 

• Being champions and change agents to support the move towards an Indigenous Initiatives Strategy

• Contributing knowledge, perspective, experience, creativity and subject-matter expertise

• Being accountable for their contribution and coming to meetings prepared

• Completing assigned task(s) as planned or making alternate arrangements

• Following up on action items between meetings, providing support to advance items, as required

Decision-making 

The Working Group used a consensus model for decision-making. In the event consensus cannot be achieved, the Chair invoked a vote through a show of hands.  In the event of a tie vote, the Chair sought the advice for reconsideration at the next meeting. 

Review and Approval of Terms of Reference  

The Terms of Reference were finalized by the Working Group and were reviewed on an as needed basis.