Laurentian makes one-time commitment to offer Indigenous studies courses in spring

Negotiations between Laurentian University and the University of Sudbury have resulted in a one-time commitment to offer six courses from the University of Sudbury's Indigenous studies program forthe spring term.

Spring courses had been cancelled after Laurentian cut ties with its federated universities on April 1.

In a statement on April 16, Laurentian said it hassigned an interim agreement outliningnegotiated terms with its fellow Ontario school.

The termsinclude having sessional instructors teach six Indigenous Studies courses during the spring term,as recommended by a resolution of theLaurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC)dated April 12.

These sixcourses had previously been taught by the University of Sudbury.

Laurentian will continue to consult with LUNEC during the spring and summer terms about how best to deliver Indigenous education at Laurentian, as well as continuingdiscussions with the University of Sudbury.

Laurentian saidabout 140 students registered in the Indigenous studies program at the University of Sudbury have access to courses rooted in Indigenous perspectives already on offer through Laurentian's Faculty of Arts, in a variety of disciplines.

It is also exploring the development of an Indigenous Perspectives program that would complement the already establishedbachelor of Indigenous social work and master of Indigenous relations programs.