Truth and Reconciliation

We recognize the unique cultural barriers that some employees and students must overcome to succeed. And, that we must work to strategize solutions and empower them to embrace their culture and thrive at Lakeland.

That’s why we partnered with the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Education. Through this partnership, faculty and staff can take the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation program. The online course features 10 modules that promote a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians. It speaks to our values as an educational institution and will help everyone to better support our students and each other.

Our employee experiences are mostly open to the public and shared with our students. These include such cultural events as the employee-led Truth & Reconciliation and Indigenous cultural exchange (including a powwow). We also expanded our Indigenous student supports and the number of employees in this area.

We strive to be inclusive and create a sense of belonging for all staff and students. Our Belongingness Compass recognizes this and enhances truth and reconciliation (and more.

Lakeland is an active participant in reconciliation by providing programming and services to support our Indigenous learners to succeed in their studies and beyond.

During the 2024-25 academic year, about 4% of our credit students self-identified as Indigenous. However, we know the actual number of Indigenous students exceeds this percentage.

Through the Indigenous support services (ISS) department, Lakeland supports Indigenous students in many areas like academic, culture, financial and wellness. Indigenous students may receive support with:

• tutoring or receiving assistance with projects
• obtaining financial support or career guidance
• deepening their cultural connection through traditional teachings and events

ISS plans upwards of 30 events and activities throughout the academic year, which are open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. These include soup and bannock days, elder is residence speaking series, sharing circles and tipi raisings. ISS also collaborate with the Indigenous student committee on several initiatives, including The Red Dress Project, Orange Shirt Day and Indigenous Awareness Week.

These services and programs remove barriers that might otherwise prevent students from succeeding. They also align the college with the province’s Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs Strategy. Specifically, to develop targeted strategies to strengthen the inclusion of Indigenous learners.

Economic impact

Indigenous students are an important part of the Lakeland community. Learn more about their economic impact.

• Indigenous support services continues to enhance opportunities for employees, students and community members to learn about culture and reconciliation, and create common understanding.
• Truth and reconciliation events such as Orange Shirt Day, Circles of Reconciliation, Elder in Residence, tipi raisings and powwows.
• Events and training opportunities in Indigenous communities, as well as inviting Indigenous school groups for campus tours.
• Promoting our Indigenous support services, featuring content on wellness, financial, and cultural academic supports.
• Scholarships available for Indigenous students.
• Collaboration with Indigenous Support Services in applicable recruitment events, such as Open House.
• Our campus libraries share information on Indigenous culture and history.
• Engagement with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council.
• We're a committee member of TEAMS Alberta and collaborate with them for supporting Indigenous students with their apprenticeship technical training.
• Partnered with the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Education to provide employees access to the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course.
• Raised the Treaty 6 and Métis flags at both campuses.
• Implemented the Indigenous Support Services Framework.
• Established the Otôtemiwewin Student Lounge, meaning Friendship in Cree, a powerful symbol of the Lakeland Way. Here, students, faculty and staff create space for belonging and pride.
• Established an Indigenous Student Council.
• Created programs specific to Indigenous students. For example: Our School of Environmental Sciences developed a training program for Indigenous students, which was delivered at Onion Lake First Nation.