This teaching encourages us to bring in our good heart and mind in all of the work that we do. The Lək̓ʷəŋən words laləmət (to be careful) and laləməthut (to take care of yourself) remind us to be careful in how we talk, interact and care for ourselves and others, building each other up. Supporting an environment where people feel welcome to engage with a good heart and good mind, we learn to have courageous conversation and to respect diverse ways of knowing and being. We are reminded to remain attentive and accountable in our words and actions to ensure that we show up for ourselves, for each other and for our work in a good way.
Growing up I was always told to be careful about how I communicate, that how I treat people is a reflection of my family and my teachings, which I still tell my grandchildren. These teachings tell us how we’re supposed to be present and how we’re supposed to treat people.
Goal
THE HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT OF ALL PEOPLE ARE PRIORITIZED IN THE POLICIES, PRACTICES, SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES OF THE UNIVERSITY.
People
3.1.1 Recognize and celebrate the ways Indigenous students offer their talent, leadership and knowledges, both inside and beyond the classroom, by:
- creating procedures to facilitate respectful and appropriate compensation and honoraria for time and energy spent by students in university service (DRIPA Action 4.5d); and
- ensuring that students have access to wellness supports and accommodations they need for taking on emotional labour and relational work.
3.1.2 Integrate Indigenous cultural competencies and anti-racist/oppressive practice as key components for evaluating staff, administrator and executive job performance and faculty service, research and teaching, expanding our ideas of excellence. (DRIPA Action 3.3)
3.1.3 Ensure that the relational work and emotional labour of Indigenous faculty are acknowledged and reflected in Appointment, Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure (ARPT) processes and internal funding competitions.