Key Takeaways:
- A new process for verifying someone’s Indigenous identity in Saskatchewan has been authorised by the university.
- Following Carrie Bourassa’s suspension and leave of absence due to reservations regarding her claims of Indigenous ancestry, the policy was put into place.
The University has approved a new procedure for confirming someone’s Indigenous identity in Saskatchewan.
The policy’s name, deybwewin, translates to “truth to self,” “truth to others,” “true to the ancestors,” and “truth to the soil” in Saulteaux, Michif, and Cree, respectively.
In a news release, Airini, provost and vice president of academics at USask, stated that the policy acknowledges the inherent rights of Indigenous communities to self-determination and self-governance.
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Indigenous peoples must take the initiative in working to verify Indigenous membership and citizenship, and we are especially appreciative of the involvement of external Indigenous partners who bring the viewpoints of their communities.
The policy was implemented after Carrie Bourassa’s suspension and leave of absence due to concerns over her claims of Indigenous descent. According to the U of S, an impartial investigator is now handling Bourassa’s case.
Before the new policy, academic members and Indigenous students seeking funding had to self-declare for the institution to verify their status as Indigenous.
According to the school, the new policy would mandate that anyone holding any future employment positions, student scholarships, or other material advantages made available to Indigenous peoples must undergo a documentation verification process. In some cases, persons already holding such roles may also need to be verified.
The Indigenous governments and communities will decide on the required documentation for citizenship or membership.
In August, consultation with First Nations communities will start regarding implementation.
Source: CTV News
