As a part of Cougars Athletics and Recreation's (CAR) commitment to inclusivity, members of the department have been working in collaboration with Mount Royal University's (MRU) Iniskim Centre to enhance the well-being of Indigenous students through culturally relevant sport, physical activity, and recreation programs.

On September 25, 2024 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Iniskim Centre's Indigenous University Bridging Program (IUBP) and CAR to outline the crucial work that is being undertaken.
The IUBP, established at MRU in 1993 (originally known as the Aboriginal Education Project), supports Indigenous students' transition to post-secondary education. It offers three levels of study focused on advanced upgrading in Math and English, along with Indigenous cultural courses, university preparation, and post-secondary arts and science courses. One of the program's benefits is access to the campus recreation centre, however it has been discovered that unfortunately most students do not utilize the facility. 

The MOU seeks to develop a collaborative relationship between Iniskim and CAR, aiming to design culturally relevant physical activity programs that better meet the needs of Indigenous students and increase recreation facility usage. The involvement of Indigenous knowledge keepers, Elders, and campus wellness stakeholders, ensures that these programs will be participant-driven and contribute to a sense of belonging, Indigenous cultural identity, and overall student success at MRU.

"This MOU represents an important relationship between the Iniskim Centre and Cougars Athletics and Recreation," says Tori McMillan, Director of the Iniskim Centre. "It affirms our commitments to truth and reconciliation and the role that sports and recreation holds for creating space and programming for Indigenous students." The agreement aligns with broader efforts at MRU to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). It aims to support Indigenous students' holistic well-being—physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually—while contributing to the decolonization of recreation spaces."

The MOU is built on key principles including respect, reciprocity, and a focus on developing self-determination for Indigenous students. These principles are guided by the First Nations OCAP® (ownership, control, access, and possession) framework, which ensures that programming aligns with Indigenous values and prioritizes community benefits. By incorporating both Indigenous and Western knowledge, the MOU promotes ethical, culturally appropriate, and integrative programs.

"We felt it was important to formalize this MOU during Mount Royal's Journey to Indigenization week to discuss this important partnership. We felt it was important for members of our community to witness the signing of the MOU and to invite them to hold us accountable for this work too," notes Bjorn Billehaug, Associate Director of Recreation at CAR.

The programs will also create leadership opportunities for IUBP students, including a dedicated Indigenous student leadership position. There is continuous work being done to secure funding through grants and enhance the visibility of the programs. 

For more information visit Mount Royal's IUBP website.