This week, Memorial University released its Indigenous Verification Policy. This has been an important topic of conversation in our community ever since the departure of their former President, when the university publicly committed to “doing better.” When institutions speak of Indigenization and building policies that concern our communities, it can sound hopeful. However, hope only means something when it is executed with respect and accountability. While efforts have been made to improve relationships between academic institutions and First Nations, Inuit and Métis nations, we continue to see examples where universities create policies but resulting practices do not align with the very words of the institutions that write them.

We have experienced this with MUN’s compliance with its own research policy, where the governing bodies and processes of Section 35 Rights-Holding First Nations in Ktaqmkuk are often bypassed. Researchers choose convenience over proper protocol during research in our territory. During the development of the Indigenous Verification policy, MUN relied on a few recorded conversations, which do not constitute meaningful consultation with our Nation. This approach falls short of the standard of engagement we expect with our Council and membership.

I also want to be clear about something that matters deeply to us in relation to this newly adopted policy: we do not speak on behalf of the Innu or the Inuit of Labrador, nor do they speak for us. Doing so would be extremely inappropriate and disrespectful. Their identities, histories, and territories are their own. We respect them as distinct Indigenous peoples with their own governance. We have enough experience with governments deciding who we are to know the harm that causes.

For many of our families, the struggle to hold onto identity has been painful and complicated. Some of our ancestors hid who they were to protect their children. Others held on stubbornly, even when it cost them. Many of us grew up piecing together our stories from memories, old letters, and the quiet strength of those who refused to let our culture disappear. That history lives in us. It shapes how we move through the world and why we are so protective of our identity today.

This is why Memorial’s track record on implementing policy concerning Indigenous nations gives us pause. When research takes place without proper compliance to protocol in a good way or when identity is referenced without understanding the trauma behind it, it reopens wounds that our families have carried for generations. It is hard enough that Canada still asserts control over our membership through the Indian Act. Despite reassurances from MUN about their intent, we cannot allow educational systems to take on that role as well.

As your Chief, I want to assure you that your Council is fully committed to protecting our identity, our stories, and our right to define ourselves. Our culture is not something to be measured, ranked, or validated by outside structures. We will remind institutions that our people are not research subjects or policy categories; we are a living Nation with a long history and a strong future. We must continue to walk this path together, with compassion for one another and pride in who we are.