Making strides toward decolonization Acadia University was among post-secondary institutions receiving $1.2 million from TD to advance Indigenous programming and services. In June 2019, TD Bank Group announced its commitment to fund an Acadia initiative to enhance and accelerate programming for Indigenous students. Msit No’kmaq, which means “we are all related” or “all my relations,” will receive $200,000 over three years. “Education plays a vital role in the reconciliation process, and Acadia is committed to doing our part by helping Indigenous students achieve their potential through higher education, and working with Indigenous communities to create new partnerships for reconciliation,” says Dr. Peter Ricketts, Acadia’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “We are extremely grateful to TD Bank Group for funding this initiative, which is one more step in a long journey toward decolonization.” The program’s goal is to provide opportunities to achieve social and economic engagement, career success, and financial security for Indigenous 12
students. Specifically, the program will offer experiential learning on local reserves, special health initiatives, and student success programs to support Indigenous students. There are more than 100 domestic students at Acadia who have self-identified as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
“This support will provide for more changes in a shorter timeframe, and I am hopeful that the face of Acadia will change so that we see more of a presence of Indigenous Peoples and culture on campus.” Makenzie O’Quinn (’20), Biology Indigenous Student Society of Acadia president