RDP launches Reconcili-Action Plan

Nov 13, 2023
A group of students, admin, and community members stand together. Two wear the Métis Sash and two wear Ribbon Skirts.

Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to education as reconciliation through action and proud to release our Reconcili-Action Plan 2023-2028. 

The plan represents an important step in Red Deer Polytechnic’s commitment to the recognition of Treaties, advancement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, allegiance to Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Indigenous Education Protocol and our responsibility to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

The Reconcili-Action Plan is created on four key themes: Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Eyes and Open Voices, and has actions and measures created around each theme. 

“With open hearts, open doors, open eyes and open voices, the Reconcili-Action Plan recognizes our responsibility to honour those that came before us by building meaningful relationships so that we can listen and grow together on this journey of learning to shape positive change,” comments Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives. “I would like to thank everyone who helped create this meaningful plan.” 

The Reconcili-Action Plan was prepared by the RDP Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization (EDII) Indigenous Working group in consultation with Indigenous Peoples including: RDP Indigenous students, Red Deer Native Friendship Society, Sunchild First Nation, Montana First Nation, Ermineskin First Nation, Big Horn 144A reserve, Shining Mountains Community Living Services, Urban Aboriginal Voices Society and Métis Local 492. 

“I would like to thank Dean Desjarlais, the EDII working group and community partners for their leadership in creating our Reconcili-Action Plan,” comments Stuart Cullum, President. “I recognize that we all have a responsibility to be active participants in our journey to reconciliation. As an institution, RDP is committed to listening, learning and using our resources and networks to create more pathways for Indigenous learners.”

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