Decolonization Circle

Decolonization Circle: Terms of Reference *

* As revised by Senate at the 659^th Senate Meeting on December 8, 2023

Preamble

As a standing Committee of the Senate, the Decolonization Circle replaces the Ad Hoc Committee on Reconciliation and Decolonization (established by Senate on October 22, 2018).

This change works to address the pressing need for decolonization and indigenization at Bishop’s University and to realize an enduring commitment to the processes of reconciliation, decolonization, and indigenization.

Mandate and Functions

The Decolonization Circle is a standing Senate Committee. The mandate of the Decolonization Circle is to shape the long-term vision and direction of Bishop’s University regarding decolonization and indigenization, including its strategic planning.

Centring and prioritizing Indigenous knowledges, ways of knowing, and world views, the Decolonization Circle shall:

• Develop and implement opportunities and initiatives that improve the climate and circumstances at Bishop’s University for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.
• Take actions toward decolonization and indigenization at Bishop’s University, informed by established Indigenous approaches and practices.
• Foster avenues for cross-cultural learning opportunities, emphasizing culturally diverse solutions to entrenched injustices and global challenges.

Composition and Membership

The Decolonization Circle shall be responsible for determining its composition and membership with the following criteria:

• The Decolonization Circle and its work is Indigenous-led and directed.
• The Decolonization Circle’s structure is non-hierarchical,with no permanent chair position and with shared responsibility.
• Indigenous members form the core membership for the Circle.
• Permanent membership will be available for Indigenous staff and faculty at Bishop’s University, including:
  • Associate Director of Indigenous InitiativesCoordinator(s) of Indigenous Student Support ServicesDr. Genner Llanes-Ortiz, Canada Research Chair in Digital IndigeneitiesDr. Colette M. Yellow Robe (Tsitsistas & Suhtai), Assistant Professor
  • BUSRC Indigenous Representative

Name	Position	Members not nominated, they are invited by circle	Last Year confirmed with Circle
V. Boldo	Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Intercultural Relations	Ex officio	2025
S. Jerome	Coordinator(s) of Indigenous Student Support Services	Ex officio	2025
B. Hottot	Coordinator(s) of Indigenous Student Support Services	Ex officio	2025
G. Llanes-Ortiz	Faculty	Division of Social Sciences	2025
C. Yellow Robe	Faculty	School of Education	2025
TBA	Indigenous Cultural Alliance representative