Ongoing International Partnership Advances Shared Goals in Reconciliation, Equity, and Decolonial Education
Earlier this month, Algoma University’s Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies (FCCS), in collaboration with the Institute of Peoples, Territories and Pedagogies for Peace (IPTP), welcomed delegates from the Colombian Ministry of Equality and Equity, the Black Communities Process (PCN), the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (ONIC), and Indigenous Women Weaving Knowledges (MUTESA).
During their five-day visit, delegates participated in a range of events, including a welcome brunch at Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) and a community celebration for Afro-Colombian Peoples Day, and a meeting organized by the African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario (ACCANO). Delegates were also invited to meet with Algoma University’s Chancellor, Mario Turco. A central aspect of the delegation involved a presentation and exchange with the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Chiefs at their Assembly on May 20-21.
The week concluded with a dinner and public talk co-hosted by IPTP, FCCS, and the NORDIK Institute, joined by Elders, faculty, and local partners. Colombia’s Minister of Equality and Equity, Carlos Rosero, joined activities virtually to reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing partnerships in Northern Ontario, including the development of an agreement via the IPTP, with the FCCS to provide placement opportunities for Algoma U students and collaborations in research, educational programming and other initiatives for faculty, staff and students in areas of mutual interest.
“This visit helped deepen and expand the ongoing dialogue among people, leaders, scholars, activists, students, and allies from many nations,” shared Dr. Sheila Gruner of the Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies. “Together, we engaged in meaningful conversations on Indigenous and Afro-descendant self-governance and self-determination, ethno-territorial justice, environmental and biodiversity protection, food sovereignty, and the transformative role of academia in advancing decolonial education.”
Dr. Jimenez-Estrada, Dr Isaac Darko(Sociology Program), Dr. Laura Wyper (Community, Economic, and Social Development Program) and Dr. Paulette Steeves (Geography, Geology and Land Stewardship Program) participated in the week’s activities. These and other faculty members from FCCS, as well as the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Business, have participated actively in the activities of the IPTP. All are welcome.
The global partnerships forged during the delegation meetings and activities reflect Algoma University’s commitment to intercultural dialogue, cross-cultural education, and placing the voices of historically marginalized communities at the heart of its work, reflective of the mission of the FCCS and each of its programs.
To view pictures of the visit, please click here.
To learn more about Algoma University’s Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies, click here.
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