The Aboriginal Council at Queen’s University (ACQU) has established three working groups to advance key policy objectives.

“Input from the ACQU is vital as the university strives to recruit and retain Aboriginal students and enhance their educational experience,” says Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “The working groups will guide the university as it seeks to foster Aboriginal education at Queen’s through research, curriculum development, and programs.”

Mandates for the working groups are based on ACQU’s terms of reference, the 2010 Vision Gathering process, and the university’s Academic Plan. The groups are focusing on:

• Aboriginal student access and support
• Indigenous cultural awareness and programming, and
• Indigenous knowledge, curriculum and research.

The working groups are determining priorities and setting timelines, and will outline methods for measuring progress. They will report on their work at the next ACQU meeting in November.

The restructured ACQU has met twice in 2012 to review activities, updates and progress reports on Queen’s Aboriginal programs and initiatives. Elder Marlene Brant Castellano was selected as the Aboriginal community co-chair. Caroline Davis, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) is the university co-chair.