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A framework for development of Aurora College's tricameral governance has been released as the institution continues its push to evolve into a polytechnic university.

Officials made the announcement on July 7.

"The Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council (IKHC) is proud of the work that got us to this point," said IKHC chair Deneze NakehkSA国际影视传媒檕. "We believe this Flowing Waters Framework will guide us in our work, in our connections to our sacred surroundings, to each other and to learn about ourselves.

"We raise our hands to all the efforts of people that helped shape this pathway. We are honoured to continue our strong traditions but also to endeavour in the careful process of planning and visioning for the College and all the peoples walking their own educational pathways."

Under the three-year framework, the plan is to complete a virtual meet and greet between members of IKHC and staff of Aurora College, then to undergo a KAIROS blanket exercise with students and staff. A blanket exercise is a two to three-hour interactive workshop where participants stand on blankets and assume the role of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. They then read through a script guided by Elders and knowledge keepers to understand the phases of colonization from the people of Turtle Island's perspective.

The exercises were developed following the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. KAIROS is an "ecumenical movement for ecological justice and human rights" spearheaded by the United Church of Canada.

After the blanket exercise is completed, the next step is to develop an options paper for Indigenous honourariums. All this is to be done before the end of the year.

Come 2026, the goal will shift to developing safe and sacred spaces on each campus. Both safe spaces and special tipis are to be established at each of the four campuses with a review of and Indigenizing curriculum in 2027. This will include establishing Elders in residence programs to ensure traditional knowledge is integrated into lessons, as well as adopting the Elements of Indigenous Style as a style guide to stand beside the historical academic style guides.

"The establishment of the Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation CommissionSA国际影视传媒檚 recommendations and underlines Aurora CollegeSA国际影视传媒檚 commitment to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and values," stated Aurora College president Dr. Angela James. "And to foster an educational environment that respects Indigenous ways of life, knowledge, cultures, and worldviews."