The University of Guelph has now adopted “Indigenous peoples” as its preferred term for all programs and services when collectively referring to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
This decision was made in response to a proposal from the Aboriginal Initiatives Strategic Task Force, following dialogue with First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, staff and faculty at U of G and local community partners. The change aligns our language with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples and our commitment to enhance our indigenization efforts at the U of G.
“The change to Indigenous instead of Aboriginal is an important step for the University of Guelph,” says chemical physics major Bradley Thomas, a member of the Seneca Nation, Bear clan from Six Nations of the Grand River.
“Aboriginal is a term that many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people feel does not accurately describe them,” he says. Thomas is treasurer of the Aboriginal Student Association, which has begun discussing a similar name change.
Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic) says the change in terminology acknowledges the fluidity of language and the cultural and political frameworks that affect it. “Being open to challenging the way we have done things in the past helps us move forward as an institution,” she says.
Yates expressed her thanks to students and community members who shared their opinions through the process. She also acknowledged the work of the Aboriginal Initiatives Strategic Task Force Steering Committee in initiating the conversation.
Making the change across campus
This change in terminology is effective now and will be implement across the University in the months ahead.
The Aboriginal Resource Centre has been renamed to the Indigenous Student Centre.
The term “Aboriginal” will be replaced with “Indigenous” in:
- web sites
- programming and services
- committee and working group names
- signage
Changes to course names and scholarships and bursaries will be presented to Senate.
Using terminology correctly
Individuals should always be referred to using the language they prefer. “Indigenous peoples” should not be used as a synonym when referring to First Nations, Inuit or Métis groups individually.
A terminology guide is available to support the transition and advance understanding. It can be found it at aboriginal.uoguelph.ca. This URL will soon redirect to indigenous.uoguelph.ca.
Additional information on writing about Indigenous peoples can be found in the Inclusive Language section of the U of G Style Guide.