Today, June 21st, marks National Indigenous People’s Day in Canada. This is a special day for all Canadians as we together honour and acknowledge the significant contributions of First Nations and Métis people, and Inuit to Canada. At ICES, we have a portfolio of staff and a network of scientists dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities and leadership organizations to answer questions of importance and interest to them. In addition, we have developed or are in the process of developing formalized agreements with the Chiefs of Ontario, Kenora Chiefs Advisory, Grand Council Treaty 3, and the Métis Nation of Ontario to protect their data and to ensure research conducted about Indigenous people is in collaboration with and led by Indigenous people.
As part of cultural sharing at ICES, we continue to hold events to provide opportunities for staff and scientists to learn more about Indigenous principles and ways of being. Through this understanding, we hope to pave the way to both decolonize and indigenize ICES processes. This is a long journey and one that we are committed to as an organization. Fundamental to this path is building an understanding of the history of colonization in Canada and the path of Truth and Reconciliation. This is a personal and professional journey for each of us.
– Michael Schull, CEO, ICES
Visit our Indigenous Portfolio page to learn more.
Browse our collection of Indigenous Portfolio related links.
Read an interview with Pam Naponse-Corbiere, Project Navigator Indigenous Portfolio.
Michael Schull