a woman with long hair and feather earrings smiles for a portrait against a stone wall
Dr. Cara Wehkamp, assistant vice-president (Indigenous initiatives)

In June, U of G observes National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to recognize and honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and cultures. It’s also an important time to act, making good on commitments to reconciliation and working toward building a better future. 

“National Indigenous History Month reminds us all to learn about the diverse and rich cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” said Dr. Cara Wehkamp, assistant vice-president (Indigenous initiatives). “It’s a time to explore the truth of Indigenous history in Canada, to honour the significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and to forge new relationships through acts of reconciliation and justice.”  

U of G is committed to addressing the systemic discrimination and inequity faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in education and research. 

“Our collective goals require steadfast commitment and action from all areas of our campus community,” added Wehkamp. “Only then will we make progress towards decolonization and reconciliation on our campus and within our society.”  

Decolonizing Approach:  
To resist and undo the forces of colonialism and to re-establish Indigenous Nationhood. It is rooted in Indigenous values, philosophies, and knowledge systems..” [1]

Ways to engage in decolonization and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples 

Understand the need for all Canadians to respond to the Calls to Action and Calls for Justice and uphold our treaty responsibilities to improve Indigenous-settler relations. 

Learn about land acknowledgements 

Read works by Indigenous authors  

Learn about U of G collaborative research

  • Learn how researchers are collaborating with First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations, communities and nations to incorporate Indigenous worldviews across disciplines. Check out the U of G News page for stories that highlight this work.

Consider how you could contribute to advancing the recommendations of Bi-Naagwad, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy

  • Bi-Naagwad guides the advancement of reconciliation and decolonization efforts at the University of Guelph. The strategy summarizes 150 recommendations on the indigenization of the University’s services, policies, practices and campus environment. 

Support scholarships for Indigenous students and Indigenous programs at U of G

  • Consider giving to the Indigenous Student Engagement Scholarship, Nokom’s House, Indigenous Peoples Programs, or OVC Indigenous Community Partnerships Rotation. 

Join the conversation 

Share what you have learned with others  

  • As a personal act of reconciliation, encourage your friends and colleagues to learn more about Indigenous peoples and lands and to commit to acts of reconciliation throughout the year. 

Learn more about Indigenous Initiatives at U of G and supports and programs available through the Indigenous Student Centre


[1] Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Canada, 2019, p. 170 

More U of G News:

  1. Future of the DM Rutherford Family Conservatory
  2. U of G-Led Research Supporting Guelph Wastewater Testing for WDG Health 
  3. U of G Annual Winter Closure Dec. 23 to Jan. 1
  4. New U of G Master’s Program Combines Cybersecurity, Business Leadership