This Resource
Description: Published in 2021, the toolkit was created by and with Indigenous leaders to guide the U of T Engineering community toward understanding and acknowledging Indigenous peoples’ history, truths, and culture. It is structured in three progressive modules. Module 1 (Understanding and Acknowledging Truths) includes facilitated sessions on land acknowledgements, allyship, and residential school history led by John Croutch of U of T’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Module 2 (Participating in the Culture) includes experiential learning such as pow wow ceremonies, a walking tour of Indigenous histories on the St. George campus led by First Story Toronto, and engagement with Elders. Module 3 (Increasing Self-Discovery) curates books, films, papers, and virtual tours for continued self-directed learning. The toolkit builds on recommendations from the 2018 Eagles’ Longhouse Engineering Indigenous Initiatives Steering Committee’s Blueprint for Action report.
Publisher / organization: University of Toronto, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
Type of web resource: Toolkit
Enrolment: Enrolled students only
Laaunch date: 2021
Key topics: Land acknowledgements, allyship, residential school history, Indigenous cultural protocols, truth and reconciliation, self-directed learning, experiential engagement
Learning outcomes: Write proposals to apply for funding for infrastructure development grants on First Nations reserves; describe and apply the rules for business establishment in Indigenous communities; develop construction and maintenance plans for projects in Indigenous communities; develop feasibility plans for residential building in Indigenous communities; plan renewable energy projects in Indigenous communities
Why this resource matters: It demonstrates how a major engineering faculty can create a structured, actionable pathway toward Indigenous cultural competency for its entire community. The modular format (learn, experience, deepen) is a replicable model for other engineering schools.
Connection to Indigenous Knowledge
How this resource connects to indigenous perspectives: Developed through consultations with U of T’s Indigenous Initiatives Office and Indigenous-identifying community members. Module content is facilitated by Indigenous leaders. Experiential components (pow wows, walking tours, Elder engagement) connect participants directly to Indigenous culture and histories. Aligns explicitly with TRC Calls to Action and the Eagles’ Longhouse Blueprint for Action.
Indigenous communities or nations involved: Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit (on whose territory U of T stands); broader Indigenous community members and Elders engaged in facilitation
Metadata
Contributor / submitted by: Dr. Farnaz Sadeghpour (as a sample)
Date added: April 30, 2026
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