From the Nominator

The public launch of UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, “ii’ taa’ poh’ to’p,” marked the fourth and final stage of the university’s journey towards an indigenous strategy. The Blackfoot name of the strategy was bestowed and transferred in ceremony by Kanai elder Andy Blackwater. The name signifies a place to rejuvenate and re-energize while on a journey.

This stage, which we called "Empowering the Spirit of Indigenization," was proceeded by three stages: setting out, clearing the path and gathering stories, and bringing the stories home.

While the journey itself unfolded over a period of 20 months, with more than 2200 points of community engagement, this fourth stage reflected the final phase of a parallel path. It included the Indigenous ceremonial validation, approval processes, and a full circle (all stakeholder) cultural celebration and public launch.

From the Judges

This is a fine example of community cultural engagement. They were clearly intentional in understanding and respecting the native culture and practices as demonstrated in the documentation.

Finalists

New York University, District II - NYU Alumni Transition to Meet WCAG 2.0 Digital Accessibility Standards

Ohio Northern University, District V - A Moment 50 Years in the Making: The Ohio Northern University Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statue Project

Pacific University, District VIII - A Thematic Framework and Best Practices for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Marketing

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, District II - PCOM Opportunities Academy

University of California, Davis, District VII - The UC Davis Cultural Pages

University of California, Irvine, District VII - First Gen Faculty Initiative

University of Memphis, District III - LiFE: Learning inspired by FedEx, a Program by the University of Memphis

Virginia Commonwealth University, District III - Foundations of Fundraising: Undergraduate pipeline programs for fundraising