MSVU is located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), part of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded ancestral territory which remains the homeland of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the Covenant Chain of Treaties of Peace and Friendship signed between 1725 and 1779. These treaties are affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada and recognize Aboriginal Title (which is embedded in both the 1763 Royal Proclamation and in section 35(1) of the 1982 Constitution Act). The treaties are living agreements that establish the rules for an ongoing Treaty relationship between nations. We pay respect to the knowledge embedded in the Mi’kmaw custodians of the lands and waters and to the Elders, past, present, and future.
Apology and Commitment to Indigenous Peoples from MSVU
On Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the wikuom located on the Mount Saint Vincent University campus, Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, CM, Interim university President and Vice-Chancellor, gathered with a group of Indigenous community representatives, including residential school survivors, First Nation community leaders, Elders, MSVU L’nu Advisory Circle members, and university representatives for a ceremony of apology and commitment. The commitments build upon work already being undertaken and are based on a commitment to listening, learning, and enduring action.
Located at 46 Melody Drive (lower level), the Indigenous Student Centre at MSVU strives to empower, encourage and educate all students of all nations in an environment rooted in Indigenous cultures and values. Mount Saint Vincent University ta’n L’nu’k etl mawita’jik aq melkuktimi’tit kisi apoqnmasin aq kina’masin wen L’nuiktuk.
The Indigenous Student Guide is filled with helpful information and resources for Indigenous current and prospective MSVU students.
The Kinu Tourism Project is a Mi’kma’ki wide collaborative initiative at MSVU to create a sustainable Indigenous tourism student cohort project.
Aboriginal Academic Access Post-Secondary (AAAPS) program
Delivered onsite at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in partnership with MSVU, this program is designed to help Indigenous learners transition to their chosen university program.
Events
Throughout the year, there are a number of events held on campus and throughout Mi’kma’ki to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), Orange Shirt Day (September 30), Treaty Day (October 1), Red Dress Day (May 5) and Mi’kmaq History Month (October). More to be added soon.
MSVU encourages its students, faculty, staff and broader community members to actively engage in learning about Indigenous history, culture and contemporary issues. The Indigenous Resource Hub is an online repository of podcasts, books, documentaries, reports, articles, films and free online courses to begin or continue your journey of education regarding Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The L’nu Advisory Circle at MVSU is made up of Indigenous community leaders and university representatives. The Circle provides important guidance on initiatives in support of Indigenous learners and communities, including Truth and Reconciliation efforts. It was formed in 2020 through the merger of the Internal and External Aboriginal Advisory Committees (established in 2014).
Special Advisor to MSVU on Indigenous Affairs
Established in 2017, this role provides leadership to MSVU in meeting the University’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, provides strategic direction on Indigenous affairs, and develops initiatives, programs and policies that respond to the needs of students, Indigenous communities, and the institution. Patrick Small Legs-Nagge, a member of the Piikani First Nation (in Alberta), was the first to hold this role.
The Wikuom at MSVU
First raised on June 12, 2017, the Wikuom is a welcoming traditional Mi’kmaw space where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can gather and learn together during the spring, summer and fall. The Wikuom is located at the corner of Seton and College Roads on campus, and occasionally moved to the space adjacent to The Meadows. [campus map] For more information, or to book the Wikuom for suitable events, please contact coordinator.isc@msvu.ca