The Cercle Kinistòtàdimin contributes to the decolonization of the University of Ottawa’s School of Social Work. It promotes the recognition of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, as well as their participation in transforming social work education.

For the 2025–2028 period, its priorities are structured around three directions. Their implementation is based on collaboration with the Indigenous people and organizations concerned, university bodies, and education partners.

1. Increasing Recognition and Cultural Awareness in Academic Settings

Create opportunities for learning and dialogue that foster a better understanding of the historical and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples, their knowledge, and their approaches to self-determination.

Priority Actions

• Recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also associated with Orange Shirt Day, on September 30, while respecting the distinct significance of each.
• Organize round tables, conferences, and discussions that highlight Indigenous perspectives, knowledge transmission, and cultural and sociopolitical resurgence.
• Encourage critical reflection on university and professional practices to support the decolonization of social work education.

2. Recruitment and Retention of Indigenous Learners

Promote access to social work programs and support the persistence and success of Indigenous students, while taking into account the diversity of their personal, family, and community circumstances.

Priority Actions

• Facilitate access to university studies in social work by developing a discretionary admissions pathway that recognizes experiential learning and clinical experience, drawing in particular on the approaches used by the University of Ottawa’s faculties of Law and Health.
• Develop partnerships with First Nations organizations to equip professors teaching in the Certificate in Indigenous Family and Child Services Development.
• Establish and formalize partnerships with Kiuna.
• Establish a process for verifying Indigenous identity within the School of Social Work in accordance with the process adopted by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Office of Indigenous Affairs.
• Conduct recruitment activities with Indigenous partners, including presentations at secondary schools attended by significant numbers of Indigenous students.
• Produce promotional materials and coordinate their distribution with those responsible for communications and recruitment.

3. Development and Integration of Indigenous Course Content in the Social Work Discipline

Strengthen the place of Indigenous knowledge in social work education and develop learning opportunities that respond to needs identified by communities and practice settings.

Priority Actions

• Implement the second certificate, Indigenous Family and Child Services Development – Practical Training.
• Develop co-teaching opportunities with other faculties and university units, particularly for elective courses in the certificate.
• Establish partnerships with other Indigenous research and studies institutes.
• Develop virtual and hybrid teaching options, particularly in the PhD in Social Work, to ensure equitable access to courses for Indigenous people living at a distance from campus.

These directions will guide the work of the Cercle throughout the 2025–2028 period. Measures involving university policies or the creation of programs will be developed in collaboration with the relevant bodies and remain subject to the applicable institutional processes.