Indigenous Strategic Plan
The WRC is aligned with and supports the University of Alberta's Institutional Strategic Plan Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan.
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The WRC aims to:
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Develop technologies addressing pressing water quality and infrastructure-related issues in Indigenous communities across Canada. Undertake meaningful and collaborative engagement with Indigenous groups throughout our research.
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Provide sustainable water systems, we are committed to actively engaging with Indigenous communities within our research programs whenever possible.
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Leverage our technical and scientific expertise to collaboratively develop solutions for the unique water and infrastructure challenges and needs of Indigenous communities.
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Through active engagement and cooperation, we will endeavour to create sustainable solutions that respectfully incorporate traditional knowledge, solely upon the request and guidance of a given community.
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Our approach will focus on five major areas:
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Understanding of Indigenous values
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Incorporation of the viewpoints of Indigenous Peoples
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Involvement of Indigenous researchers
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Dissemination of knowledge
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Engagement
Key Guiding Values & Principles:
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Reconciliation – Inclusion of key Guiding Values and Principles marks our commitment to embarking on a path towards Truth and Reconciliation
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All my relations – Recognizing the interconnectedness of our work within the Faculty of Engineering, other University of Alberta Faculties, Indigenous communities, and external entities to foster enriched interdisciplinary collaboration
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Inclusivity – Cultivating an inclusive environment that values and respects diverse perspectives and knowledge systems/frameworks
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Decolonization – Integrating decolonizing research methodologies into our work with Indigenous communities, promoting a process of learning and growth
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Sustainable Relationships – Proactively establishing and nurturing meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities with foundations of trust, respect, mutual learning, and shared understanding
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Among others – Indigenization; Indigeneity; Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing; Intersectionality/Confluence; Self-Determination; Sovereignty; and Strength-Based Approach.