Rights of Indigenous Peoples

JIBC is committed to acknowledging the rights of Indigenous peoples and Indigenization at the Institute. 

On September 13, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. More than 20 years in the making and with the participation of more than 100 Indigenous organizations annually, the declaration is the most comprehensive statement of the rights of Indigenous peoples ever developed.

It represents a global consensus on a framework of minimum standards set for the protection of individual and collective rights of Indigenous people including their survival, dignity and well-being. It expands on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of Indigenous peoples.

JIBC is also committed to the Indigenous Education Protocol for Colleges and Institutes developed by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). The protocol aims to support the commitment of colleges and institutes to Indigenous education and to provide a vision of how they can improve and better serve Indigenous peoples.

The document stresses the importance of structures and approaches necessary to address Indigenous peoples’ learning needs and support self-determination and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities.

JIBC and other signatory institutions have committed to agreements under the CICan Protocol.

Agreements Under the CICan Protocol

1. Commit to making Indigenous education a priority.
2. Ensure governance structures recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.
3. Implement intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples through curriculum and learning approaches relevant to learners and communities.
4. Support students and employees to increase understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
5. Commit to increasing the number of Indigenous employees with ongoing appointments throughout the institution, including Indigenous senior administrators.
6. Establish Indigenous-centred holistic services and learning environments for learner success.
7. Build relationships and be accountable to Indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education, training and applied research.