Hoop 3

Why

Given the number of national heritage organizations in Ottawa, uOttawa will work to partner with the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canada Council Art Bank and the federal government’s Aboriginal Art Collection to borrow art that can be infused in key locations across campus.

When 

Short term

How 

uOttawa is now home to a sculpture commissioned from David General. In addition to this publicly viewable art installations, uOttawa will look to commission several other artistic pieces for the campus as well as begin negotiations to rent Indigenous art from the national and local heritage organizations.  

Cost 

The University will be responsible for insurance, installation and conservation-grade displays for each object based on the expectations and regulations of the owner/lender.

Who 

President | Provost | Dean of Arts

Update 

Significant progress in increasing the visibility of Indigenous art and cultural expression across campus includes a number of new pieces of art in high-visibility areas and large-scale installations in campus facilities.  

Continuing to integrate Indigenous art considerations into routine space planning offers opportunities to gradually enhance representation in high-traffic areas. 

Why

The University will undertake such actions as the renaming of campus streets, inscribing signs with words of welcome in multiple languages at key entrances to campus and commissioning an exterior mural in a high visibility area. Other actions will be developed in the context of campus master planning.

Ensure that flags belonging to Indigenous nations—particularly Algonquin nations— are flown alongside the uOttawa flag when the University is hosting important/significant events, including the annual pow wow, and when dignitaries visit campus.

When     

Medium term, following assessment 

How 

The University will undertake such actions as the renaming of campus streets, inscribing signs with words of welcome in multiple languages at key entrances to campus and commissioning an exterior mural in a high-visibility area. Other actions will be developed in the context of campus master planning. 

Ensure that flags belonging to Indigenous nations—particularly Algonquin nations—are flown alongside the uOttawa flag when the University is hosting important/significant events, including the annual pow wow, and when dignitaries visit campus.

Cost 

TBA, subject to the type of action envisioned

Who 

President | Communications Directorate | Academic delegate for Indigenous engagement |  
VP Finance and Administration | Facilities

Update 

The University has taken meaningful steps to enhance Indigenous visibility across exterior campus spaces such as several gardens, signage, and artwork.  

The Office of Indigenous Affairs will continue to consult with Facilities on upcoming installations and renovations across uOttawa campuses. 

Why

A number of universities have, in recent years, faced the need to carefully consider the principles for naming buildings because of protests around the historical legacy associated with particular figures (Yale, Ryerson and McGill, to name a few).

When 

Medium to long term

How 

The University will strike a committee to determine what the current principles on memorialization on campus are and then review whether there are places on campus that need to be renamed. It is best that we do this work ourselves before there are protests, given the history of the institution as a former Oblate owned and operated facility.

Cost 

Minimal aside from signage; requires solid preparation and investment of political capital by senior leadership

Who 

President | Provost | Senior leadership team

Update 

The University of Ottawa has taken meaningful steps toward developing a thoughtful approach to renaming and memorialization on campus through the naming of Kichi Mìkan as well as other targeted signage interventions.  

These initial successes provide a foundation for incorporating Indigenous considerations into existing naming processes and protocols as they naturally arise through campus development and renewal cycles. 

Why

To contribute to national Indigenous language revitalization efforts with a specific, but not necessarily exclusive focus on Algonquin Anishnàbemowin.  

When 

Short term  

How 

Develop a language policy that prioritizes Algonquin Anishnàbemowin on campus through signage, translations, language programming, etc. before also working to include other languages frequently heard in this region (Inuktitut, Haudenosaunee, and Cree).  

Cost 

Various    

Who 

Facilities | Language Services | Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies

Why 

To ensure that Indigenization is incorporated into uOttawa’s Five-Year Capital Plan.  

When 

Short to medium term  

How 

Conduct an audit of current spaces to identify opportunities for Indigenization. Develop guidelines for incorporating Indigenous design principles and consultation into future projects. Integrate Indigenous needs and priorities into the Capital Plan.  

Cost 

N/A  

Who 

Facilities | Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies | OIA  

Why 

To increase inclusivity and cultural appreciation across campus, dining services should offer Indigenous food options.  

When 

Short term  

How 

Takes a holistic and collaborative approach to integrate Indigenous perspectives and offerings into campus dining, develop menu options, and train food services staff.  

Cost 

Culinary training, menu development, etc.  

Who 

Food Services | OIA 

Why 

To create a central hub for Indigenous students, professors, staff and community that embodies Indigenous values of integrated learning, research and social connection.  

When 

Medium to long term  

How 

Engage Indigenous stakeholders in envisioning multipurpose spaces that could be created within existing building infrastructure. Propose a phased approach to developing new Indigenous-focused spaces as funding becomes available, beginning with small-scale retrofits. Collaborate with the advancement office to develop compelling fundraising proposals for donor-funded projects.  

Cost 

Labour  

Who 

Facilities | Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies | Advancement | OIA

Why 

To increase the presence of Indigenous art on campus and to create a more welcoming and culturally resonant campus environment for Indigenous students, professors, staff and visitors.  

When 

Short to medium term  

How 

Collaborate with Indigenous artists and curators to identify current works in uOttawa’s collection that could be showcased. Acquire or rent significant pieces for exhibition through outdoor installations, commissions, and other forms of Indigenous cultural expressions.  

Cost 

N/A 

Who 

Advancement | Canada Council Art Bank | Facilities | OIA  

Why 

To demonstrate commitment to the Indigenous community by including the Algonquin language in signage.  

When 

Short to medium term  

How 

Conduct an audit of existing signage to identify opportunities for incorporating Algonquin language. Consult with Algonquin language keepers and community members to develop appropriate translations and content. Develop a phased implementation plan on trilingual signage (Algonquin, French, English) on wayfinding, street names, building names, plaques, memorials, etc.  

Cost 

N/A  

Who 

Advancement | Facilities | Indigenous community stakeholders | OIA 

Why 

To align campus landscaping with Indigenous and sustainability requirements.  

When 

Short to medium term  

How 

Partner with environmental studies and biology programs to create learning and research opportunities around Indigenous and sustainable landscaping. Develop a long-term management plan that balances Indigenous priorities with other sustainability objectives increasing Indigenous and sustainable plants.  

Cost 

N/A  

Who 

Advancement | Facilities | Indigenous community stakeholders | OIA  

Why 

To ensure that Indigenous perspectives and design lenses are incorporated into new builds and remodels on campus.  

When 

Short to medium term  

How 

Develop guidelines for incorporating Indigenous users’ requirements in Facilities project planning. Identify and pre-qualify Indigenous architects, planners and consultants who can be called upon as needed to provide input. Train project managers and Facilities staff on respectful consultation and partnership strategies.  

Cost 

N/A  

Who 

Facilities | OIA