UCalgary celebrates seventh year of ii' taa’poh'to'p

The University of Calgary’s 2024 Journey Update celebrated another year of walking parallel paths with its Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, at an event on Nov. 27 titled Circle of Relatives. The event hosted 222 in-person attendees, with speeches from Elder Reg Crowshoe, Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement) Michael Hart and President Ed McCauley, along with a keynote address by Willie Ermine who spoke on gifted spaces, how the potential to create gifted spaces lives in all of us. Ermine encouraged us to envision and promote these spaces in our interactions with the world.

A grand entry kicked off the event with songs from drum group Eya-Hey Nakoda, flag-carriers from the university community, Elders and working circle members. The audience then was treated to the UCalgary Honour Song before viewing the Four-Story videos on Ways of Knowing, Ways of Doing, Ways of Being and Ways of Connecting, showing how UCalgary has committed to these four key visionary circles within ii' taa’poh'to'p. 

At this year’s Journey Update, there was much to celebrate with upward-trending numbers related to the Indigenous Strategy.

In 2023-2024, the university saw more than $4.3 million disbursed to approximately 433 self-identified Indigenous graduate and undergraduate students in awards, bursaries and scholarships, including $1.4 million in designated bursaries from the Province of Alberta. More than $10.5 million in new tri-council, non-tri-council and joint tri-council Indigenous-focused research funding was also received in 2023-2024, bringing that total to more than $42 million since 2018. The percentage of the student population who self-identifies as Indigenous has increased to 3.9 per cent from 3.6 per cent in 2023.

Dr. Sandra Davidson, PhD, UCalgary’s new provost and vice-president (academic) was welcomed into the university through a bundle transfer ceremony performed by Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01. The ceremony symbolizes Davidson committing to ii' taa’poh'to'p in her role and the transfer of responsibilities from previous Provost and Vice-President Penny Werthner.

Ermine concluded his keynote address on gifted spaces, joking that the concept is similar to the Scotiabank slogan, “You’re richer than you think,” meaning we all have more gifted spaces in us than we realize. His speech received a standing ovation.

The event ended with a round dance that included all attendees weaving around the room. Joy could be felt in the atmosphere as the drum played and attendees danced. 

Hart, UCalgary’s VP (Indigenous Engagement), said that the event was a great success and is looking to the future as the university continues to work towards Truth and Reconciliation in a good way.

“This year achievements throughout the university came together as an excellent example of how great our impact can be when we work together as a circle of relatives,” says Hart.

To read the 2024 Journey Update visit the webpage.