As previously reported, Memorial University signed a $96,000 contract with First Peoples Group to develop an Indigenous verification protocol. Throughout February and March 2024, First Peoples Group conducted a series of consultations, including an online survey.
Mattbarter.ca obtained screenshots of the survey questions from an anonymous source. See below the questions and screenshots:
Questions:
What is your affiliation with Memorial University? (please check all that apply)
Faculty
Staff
Student
Alumni
What Indigenous community do you have a responsibility to?
Should there be explicit requirements for Indigenous verification for designated Indigenous staff, faculty and student opportunities at Memorial University? If so, what might these requirements include?
Should verification requirements apply to all roles and opportunities with the university? (i.e. Faculty, Staff, Students, Keynote Speakers, Visiting Cultural Educators, etc.)
What process should the University follow when verifying that these requirements have indeed been met by an individual?
If the university implements a verification process and an individual who occupies Indigenous space (e.g. Indigenous positions, funding, scholarships, etc.) does not meet the requirements, how could this be addressed?
Should Indigenous ways of knowing, and of kinship and connection be honoured in a verification process? If so, how?
What do you feel is at risk if there is no verification process? What is at risk if there is a verification process?
Is there anything else you would like to share on the topic of Indigenous verification?
Are you aware of any other universities that have created policies and processes related to Indigenous verification that are seen to be effective?
Matt Barter is a fourth-year student in the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, walks in nature, and volunteering in the community.
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