IKERAS Mission Statement Foreword

The following mission statement brings Indigenous Knowledge and Ways of Doing to the forefront of the university and makes UPEI the role model for all universities to achieve decolonization and benefit from Indigenous knowledge. The creation of the Faculty is necessary so that the university can achieve compliance with Article 14 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The design of this Faculty will ensure that the university meets the 2019 231 Calls to Justice and the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) 94 Calls to Action.  

Our mission statement are the values and the action items to support the Faculty's Vision and Mission. 

Article 14 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states: 

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions, providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning.
2. Indigenous individuals, particularly children, have the right to all levels and forms of education of the State without discrimination. 
3. States shall, in conjunction with Indigenous peoples, take effective measures, in order for Indigenous individuals, particularly children, including those living outside their communities, to have access, when possible, to an education in their own culture and provided in their own language. 

IKERAS Mission Statement

To provide all UPEI graduates with the value of Indigenous knowledge systems and history. To give those who specialize in Indigenous Studies the skills necessary to take on critical roles within the community, government, or private sector. The Faculty will provide new integrative models and designs that offer pathways for education, research, engagement, solutions, and collaborations for the 21st century for lasting global sustainability. Lastly, to create and prepare generations of academic scholars and knowledge keepers.