Research and Scholarship Working Group

Purpose 

The role of the Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Task Force is 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 will provide 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 will have the following objectives and responsibilities: 

• Review past and current campus initiatives, programs and services

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

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

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

• Formulate 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 will include students, faculty, staff and community members including Indigenous individuals.  Members will have 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, may be added as needed.  

Meetings 

The Working Group will determine their own schedule but will normally meet once a month.   

Roles and Responsibilities  

The Chair of the Working Group is 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 are 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 will use a consensus model for decision-making. In the event consensus cannot be achieved, the Chair may invoke a vote through a show of hands.  In the event of a tie vote, the Chair shall seek the advice for reconsideration at the next meeting. 

Review and Approval of Terms of Reference  

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