Reconciliation

Our Treaty Acknowledgement roots us in relationships. It affirms our shared responsibilities and reminds us of the deep connections that bind us to each other and to this place.

We recognize that reconciliation is a journey grounded in mutual respect, trust, and reciprocity – values we are committed to upholding every step of the way. We honour the past and present contributions of Indigenous Peoples as knowledge keepers, community leaders, and partners. Their worldviews continue to shape and strengthen our shared future. We are committed to ensuring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge, cultures, and traditions are meaningfully reflected in all aspects of our work and community. We envision a future where reconciliation is embedded across every facet of our organization. Our commitment has deepened through continued efforts to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to education and public service.

With guidance from our Indigenous Advisory Council and Knowledge Keepers, we continue to integrate Indigenous perspectives into curriculum and pedagogy, bringing Indigenous histories, knowledge systems, and ways of being into our programs. We also remain focused on creating safe, inclusive learning environments that welcome Indigenous students and honour their cultures and traditions in both our physical spaces and academic offerings.

Through this ongoing work, we aim to strengthen reconciliation and build lasting, respectful partnerships for generations to come.

TRC Calls to Action

MITT is responding to Calls to Action 57, 62, and 63 and reporting its progress through the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord as a founding signatory to the Accord in 2017.

Call to Action #57 – Professional Development and Training for Public Servants 

We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Call to Action #62 – Education for Reconciliation
We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators, to:

1. Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students.
2. Provide the necessary funding to post-secondary institutions to educate teachers on how to integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.
3. Provide the necessary funding to Aboriginal schools to utilize Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods in classrooms.
4. Establish senior-level positions in government at the assistant deputy minister level or higher dedicated to Aboriginal content in education.

Call to Action #63 – Education for Reconciliation
We call upon the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada to maintain an annual commitment to Aboriginal education issues, including:

1. Developing and implementing Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples in Canadian history, and the history and legacy of residential schools.
2. Sharing information and best practices on teaching curriculum related to residential schools and Aboriginal history.
3. Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
4. Identifying teacher-training needs relating to the above.

Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint

As a testament to MITT’s commitment to the TRC Calls to Action, the college is a signatory to the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint, which publicly pledges to advance Indigenous education in the province. This commitment involves integrating Indigenous perspectives into curricula, supporting Indigenous learners, and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. Through these efforts, MITT strives to create a learning environment that respects and celebrates Indigenous cultures, acknowledges historical injustices, and works collaboratively toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Indigenous Advisory Council

MITT has an Indigenous Advisory Council to offer guidance and insight into the college’s Indigenous inclusions. The Council is comprised of Indigenous community members from across Manitoba who have worked with MITT or have a knowledge of Indigenous education in a post-secondary setting.

Learn more about MITT’s Indigenous initiatives and resources.