DEDI Principles

Social Justice refers to creating a fair and equal society in which each individual matters, their rights are recognized and protected, and decisions are made in ways that are fair and honest.

Informed by Indigenous philosophies and the United Nations this refers to the rights of all entities to life sustaining conditions. Humanity has a shared responsibility to protect all of creation (Deloria, 1994; Kimmer 2013).

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2008-2015) (TRC) in Canada reconciliation has come to have specific reference to a process of building and sustaining respectful, ethical relationships between Indigenous peoples and the rest of Canada based on mutual understanding and respect.

Intersectionality refers to the interconnection of various categories of social diversity (race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality, religion, language, age, etc.) and acknowledges that they do not exist in isolation of each other and together can have a cumulative impact.

Indigenous rights refer to the collective and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples which derive from their relationship with land and territories. These include rights to use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership, occupation or use, as well as those which they have otherwise acquired. The

Human Rights recognizes the inherent dignity, and the universal, equal, and inalienable rights of all people. It recognizes all people’s entitlement to pursue individual interests, opportunities, contribute to society and a life of dignity, equity, and respect, free from discrimination and harassment.

Anti-racism refers to taking proactive steps to fight racial inequity. It differs from other approaches that may focus on multiculturalism or diversity because it acknowledges that systemic racism exists and actively confronts the unequal power dynamic between groups and the structures that sustain it.

Accessibility refers to the degree to which physical, pedagogical, financial, social, and administrative structures are (re)designed to enable the full, meaningful, and equitable engagement of all community members.

Inclusion refers to creating space for all individuals on our campuses to enjoy the opportunities the university has to offer and strives to ensure people feel a sense of belonging.

Diversity refers to the presence of difference and variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from difference of culture and circumstance.