In an effort to bridge diverse worlds of knowledge, the University of Calgary has launched a pivotal initiative designed to weave Indigenous perspectives directly into the fabric of its academic offerings. The Indigenous Curriculum Grants program stands as a cornerstone of the university’s broader Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, which seeks to advance cross-cultural understanding and engagement. This innovative program provides substantial support, offering up to $10,000 in funding for projects across every faculty and discipline. The goal is to fundamentally enrich the educational experience by integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and connecting into curricula. Supported initiatives are remarkably diverse, ranging from immersive land-based learning experiences that connect students with the environment to curriculum redesigns that incorporate traditional wisdom. Crucially, the program also facilitates the direct engagement of Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, bringing their invaluable perspectives and lived experiences into the classroom, creating a more holistic and authentic learning environment for all students.
A Collaborative Vision for Reconciliation
University leadership views the Indigenous Curriculum Grants program as a vital catalyst for meaningful progress in Truth and Reconciliation. Dr. Michael Hart and Dr. Natasha Kenny, key figures in the university’s academic and Indigenous engagement spheres, share a consensus that these grants are more than just funding; they are “seeds for transformation” planted throughout the institution. This initiative is designed to support innovative and emerging work that might otherwise struggle to find resources, allowing new ideas to flourish from the ground up. The program’s success is rooted in a strong collaborative framework, led by the Office of Indigenous Engagement with critical support from the Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning) and the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. This partnership ensures that the program is both administratively robust and pedagogically sound. The profound impact of this collaborative approach has been evident in the unique and varied proposals submitted since the program’s inception in 2022, a clear indicator of its wide appeal and its potential to foster lasting change across campus.
Fostering Impactful Learning Experiences
Since its establishment, the Indigenous Curriculum Grants program proved to be an essential mechanism for creating profound educational connections. The initiative successfully provided students and faculty with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with Indigenous peoples, their communities, and their rich traditions, moving learning beyond the theoretical and into the realm of lived experience. The diversity and creativity of the funded projects highlighted the program’s widespread appeal and underscored a collective desire within the university community to embrace Indigenous knowledge systems. These grants became the foundation for impactful learning, fostering a deeper respect for local knowledges and fostering genuine cross-cultural dialogue. The program effectively supported the development of an academic environment where Indigenous ways of knowing were not just acknowledged but actively integrated, creating a more inclusive and representative educational landscape for future generations. As the initiative moves forward, submissions for the 2026 grant cycle are now being accepted, with an application deadline of January 30, 2026, continuing this legacy of transformation.
