University leaders converge on the nation鈥檚 capital at Converge 2017
President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz is in Ottawa February 6鈥7 attending University Canada鈥檚 Converge 2017, joining future innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from universities across the country.
A highlight in Monday鈥檚 schedule included a question and answer session with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, who explored what Canada can become in the next 50 years. Prime Minister Trudeau commented on how important it is to draw upon the experience of those very Canadians who already are comfortable with change, including youth and those engaged in the post-secondary landscape, during this dialogue on transformation. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to fundamental human rights and an inclusive society, mental health support, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission鈥檚 report.
Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire, also addressed the attendees on Monday about 鈥渢he path to Canada鈥檚 future鈥攅ducation and reconciliation.鈥 She challenged university leaders to use the Converge event as the catalyst for their institutions to support and partner with First Nations as they reconstruct, renew, and recapture their indigenous languages, culture, values, and knowledge, to make 鈥渞econciliaction鈥 happen. Ms. Jamieson added that this rebuilding not only involves the education of indigenous peoples but the education of Canadians, and that as partners, we must 鈥渢ransform education into a culturally appropriate engine鈥 where youth can excel and realize their potential.