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  2. Indigenous Council of Queen's University

Indigenous Council of Queen's University

The Indigenous Council of Queen's University (ICQU) was established in 1992, in conjunction with the Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy introduced by the provincial government.

"...to ensure that for generations hereafter Aboriginal peoples will have access to higher education at Queen's University, and that the institution will be responsive to the broader needs of Aboriginal peoples."

The Indigenous Council of Queen’s University provides guidance on Indigenous programs and services at Queen’s. The Council is composed of representatives from Indigenous communities in Ontario, as well as Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, staff, students and senior administrators. The Council reports directly to the University Senate and Board of Trustees.

Working Groups of Indigenous Council

The work of Indigenous Council is informed by the Working Groups. The Working Groups meet regularly throughout the academic year and provide a report to Council on the progress of the work for each Council meeting.

Indigenous Student Access and Support Working Group

The Indigenous Student Access and Support working group supports the following policy objectives:

  • To enhance equitable access and participation of Indigenous learners in all programs and services at Queen’s University and;
  • To increase the admission, retention, and academic success of Indigenous students by developing and providing programs - including bridging and access programs and specialized.

Indigenous Knowledge, Curriculum and Research Working Group

The Indigenous Knowledge, Curriculum and Research working group supports the following policy objectives:

  • To ensure and enhance partnerships between Queen’s University and Indigenous communities with the goal of developing collaborative research and learning projects that explicitly honour and value Indigenous culture, ways of knowing and languages;
  • To more fully integrate the teaching of Indigenous perspectives and content in courses and programs across the university to recognize Indigenous history, culture and ways of knowing and;
  • To develop academic programs to meet the needs of Indigenous students at Queen’s University.

Cultural Awareness and Programming Working Group

The Cultural Awareness and Programming group supports the following policy objectives:

  • To enhance the cultural climate for Indigenous faculty, staff and students at Queen’s University by providing culturally appropriate support services, an increased cultural presence and a gathering place for Indigenous students and other community members;
  • To increase the awareness of, and opportunities to celebrate the diversity of, Indigenous students, cultures and perspectives within the Queen’s University community and;
  • To provide a range of on- and off-campus university activities to encourage social, intellectual, and cultural interactions between local Indigenous communities and the Queen’s University community

Terms of Reference

  ACQU Terms of Reference 2013 (PDF 110 KB)

The 2013 Terms of Reference document provides:

  • an update and integration of the ACQU’s 2002 Terms of Reference
  • a 2006 action plan
  • a 2011 Senate-approved revision to the ACQU’s membership
  • the Ministry’s 2011 Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework
  • similar Council documents from other Ontario universities
  • Queen’s 2011 Academic Plan
  • the 2012 Aboriginal education policy objectives, established by the ACQU

  Aboriginal Education Policy Objectives 2012 (PDF 200 KB)

  ACQU Report to Senate 2012 (PDF 150KB)

Indigenous Community Representatives

NameRole/Representative of
Te ho wis kwûnt - Allen DoxtatorElder/Cultural Advisor (Internal)
Dr. Danielle LussierChair in Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives
VacantCouncil Co-Chair
Chief Taynar SimpsonAlderville First Nation
Misko McGregorIndigenous Alumni
Patti Brinklow and Sandra MaraclePost-Secondary Education Officers, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Dr. Sarah FunnellAssociate Dean & Chair of Indigenous Health, Queen's Health Sciences

University Community Representatives

NameRole/Representative of
Patrick DeanePrincipal
Corinna FitzgeraldVice-Provost Student Affairs
Lisa MaracleAssociate Vice-Principal, Indigenous Initiatives, Council Secretary (ex-officio)
Tara MacDonaldAssociate Dean, School of Graduate Studies
Stephanie SimpsonVice-Principal (Culture, Equity, Inclusion)
Kevin BanksAssociate Dean, Faculty of Law
Gavan WatsonVice Provost, Teaching and Learning
Lynda JessupVice-Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science
Dr. Lynne-Marie PostovitVice-Provost (Academic Affairs)

Student Representatives

NameRole/Representative of
 Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
 Co-Presidents, Queen's University Leaders and Learners (QUILL, formerly QNSA)
 American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Queen's Chapter
 SGPS (Society of Graduate & Professional Students)
 SAGE Program Assistant (Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement)