FAQs

The following are Frequently Asked Questions about the draft Indigenous verification policy and procedures.

If you have a question that isn’t listed here, please write indigenousverification@mun.ca. This page may be updated as additional FAQs are identified. 

If you have feedback on the policy, please write policy@mun.ca.

Why is Memorial developing an Indigenous verification policy?

An Indigenous verification policy provides a framework for verifying Indigenous membership/citizenship. It will hold institutions accountable so that when they create space for Indigenous people, those Indigenous-specific opportunities are actually taken up by people who are Indigenous. 

Memorial University will not decide or determine who is Indigenous. The new policy is about verifying membership and citizenship with Indigenous collectives. This will allow Memorial to hold itself accountable to Indigenous Peoples, and to put mechanisms in place that enable verification through processes that already exist within Indigenous communities. 

Memorial’s development of this policy supports the Strategic Framework for Indigenization (2021-2026) and its recommendation to develop “protocols/guidelines to address issues of Indigenous identity as they pertain to internal processes such as targeted hires, reserved seats, and other Indigenous-specific opportunities.” 

Developing an Indigenous verification policy also supports Memorial’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by helping to ensure that Indigenous-specific opportunities within the university go to people who are Indigenous.

When will the draft policy be implemented?

While the draft policy and procedures are out for consultation, there are no changes to how Indigenous-specific opportunities are awarded. Once the feedback has been received and the policy revised and approved by the Board of Regents, there will be further details on implementation. 

There will be no retroactive verification process for any member of our university community who currently occupies an Indigenous-specific position or opportunity. Once finalized and approved, the verification policy will apply on a go-forward basis, including with existing university community members who put their names forward for Indigenous-specific opportunities. Further details will be shared once the policy has been approved. 

How will the policy be applied?

Once implemented, this policy will used to verify Indigenous membership/citizenship for all Indigenous-specific opportunities at Memorial campuses.

The policy is applicable to any opportunity within the university that is specifically set aside for, or takes into consideration, Indigenous membership. This includes but is not limited to: hiring for staff and faculty positions; designated seats for Indigenous students; awards, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, and funding opportunities slated for Indigenous people; opportunities of advantage such as material gain or reputational benefit.

The policy will be applicable to all members of the University community, including but not limited to students, researchers, employees, members of governing bodies, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural advisors, and persons entering into relationships with the University. 

Will current Indigenous students, faculty and staff need to go through the verification process?

There will be no retroactive verification process for any member of our university community who currently occupies an Indigenous-specific position or opportunity. Once finalized and approved, the verification policy will apply on a go-forward basis, including with existing university community members who put their names forward for Indigenous-specific opportunities. Further details will be shared once the policy has been approved. 

 

What supports are available for Indigenous students, faculty and staff?

While our Indigenous verification policy work is essential for the university to reconcile with Indigenous Peoples, we recognize it is a difficult topic for many in our community. If anyone is negatively impacted by this work, you are encouraged to seek support.The following links will direct you to support services at Memorial University: 

  • Hope for Wellness Help Line: 
    • Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat 
    • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services 
    • Support is available in English and French and, by request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut