Student Perspectives on Indigenizing a University in Canada
Abstract
This article explores student perspectives on indigenizing and decolonizing at a Canadian mid-size university. The authors conducted focus groups with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and found three main themes regarding indigenization: the need for institutional responsibility and action, enhancing Indigenous visibility and influence on campus, and challenging colonial structures. The insights from the students were in line with previous literature that suggests the university has a responsibility to take on the work of indigenization and must make the work an institutional priority. The findings indicate a need for more transparency from the institution to let students know about indigenization work and demonstrate the value for student perspectives on the subject.
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Published
2026-10-06
Keywords
indigenizing, decolonizing, reconciliation, higher education, student perspectives
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jamie Crawford, Rachel Imai, Hannah Fowlie, Julie Rochefort, Nicole Traynor, Kim Anderson
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