Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations. The area is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, District 3.
At Olds College, our goal is to foster an environment of mutual respect and trust among all learners. Indigenous students, along with members of faculty and staff at the College have expressed a desire to have spaces on campus that reflect the rich history and culture of Indigenous people.
With respect to the recommendations put forth in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report (2015), it is both our desire and responsibility to support Indigenous learners in an honest, respectful and welcoming manner as they pursue their studies at Olds College.
We strive to learn from Indigenous students and their families, and to embrace opportunities to learn about Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. In step with Indigenous learners, we work to build credible and sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities.
Gathering Room
The Gathering Room is located in the North side of the Learning Commons in the Learing Resource Centre building. This is a place for students of all backgrounds to share knowledge, as well as receive teachings and support from the Knowledge Keeper in Residence and Elders from the area.
What territory are you from?
Find out which Indigenous lands you live on and discover more about the history and cultures of the areas you inhabit.
Create your own ReconciliACTION Plan by applying these 6 actions to any of the Calls to Action.
Learn the history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples;
Understand the history and legacy of residential schools;
Explore the unique intersections we have between treaty, constitutional, Indigenous, and human rights we have in Canada;
Recognize the rich contributions that Indigenous peoples have made to Canada;
Take action to address historical injustices and present-day wrongs; and
Teach others.
Indigenous Canada Course
Indigenous Canada is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.
The seven sacred teachings are Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth. Each teaching honours one of the basic virtues intrinsic to a full and healthy life. Each teaching is represented by an animal.
Did you know that There are around 70 distinct Indigenous languages in Canada, falling into 12 separate language families.
At Olds College, our goal is to foster an environment of respect and trust among all learners, staff and guests. We humbly recognize that our Canadian history informs current and future action, and we wish to support Indigenous learners in an honest, truthful, and accountable manner as they pursue their studies with us. We strive to learn from Indigenous students and their families; we embrace opportunities to learn about Indigenous knowledge, and Indigenous ways of knowing. In step with these values and in the spirit of reconciliation, we will work to build credible and sustainable relationships with Indigenous learners here on campus, and their families, communities, and Nations as well.
Recognizing that Olds College is a crossroads for many cultures and peoples we strive to:
Olds College has officially signed the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Indigenous Protocol that was developed by CICan with its members and partners in the Indigenous communities. Founded on seven principles, the protocol underscores the importance of structures and approaches required to address Indigenous peoples’ learning needs and support self-determination and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities.
CICan member organizations who sign on to the protocol:
Commit to making Indigenous education a priority
Ensure governance structures recognize and respect Indigenous peoples
Implement intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples through curriculum and learning approaches relevant to learners and communities
Support students and employees to increase understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples
Commit to increasing the number of Indigenous employees with ongoing appointments throughout the institution, including Indigenous senior administrators
Establish Indigenous-centred holistic services and learning environments for learner success
Build relationships and be accountable to Indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education, training and applied research