Territorial acknowledgement
One of our first steps of working towards an inclusive community is to acknowledge that Conestoga College is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral peoples. Our community of students and staff works towards reconciliation by learning about Indigenous culture, where respect is a traditional concept built into the seven natural laws and seven sacred grandfather teachings. Learn more about why we acknowledge the land and access elders, un-traditional counselling, and events with Be-Dah-Bin Gamik, a Place of New Beginnings.
Our commitment
Student Engagement commits to welcoming all members of the Conestoga community and offering programming that strives toward an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment. We promote a college community that emphasizes collaborative relationships that are based on understanding, acceptance, and respect. We engage all Conestoga students, faculty, and staff through education, programming, and initiatives to raise awareness, encourage discussion, and promote the inclusion of all students. We provide students with opportunities to develop advocacy and leadership skills while engaging with, and positively influencing our community.
On the Events & Activities page on the Student Success Portal, you will find opportunities to learn about diversity and inclusion and contribute to creating a sense of belonging in the Conestoga community.
- Welcome events: New students are encouraged to join Student Engagement’s welcome events during the first month of term; events include the Mature Student Welcome, Indigenous Student Welcome, 2SLGBTQ+ Welcome, and the African, Black, Caribbean (ABC) Student Welcome.
- Workshops: Build your knowledge of the foundations of diversity and inclusion and practical tools to act as leaders of positive change by participating in interactive Leadership workshops on the topics of challenging discrimination, creating inclusion, and anti-oppression/anti-racism.
- Knowledge building events: You can get involved with programming throughout the year with initiatives such as Celebrating Diversity Week, Truth and Reconciliation and 16 Days of Activism.
Educational resources
Want to learn more, but don’t know where to start? Conestoga’s Library has curated a wide variety of resources from its online collection on topics related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Take a look at these resource guides to continue your learning.
Resources for students
Student Engagement has created lists of college services and community organizations to support the success of African, Caribbean, Black-Identifying, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQ+ students. If you identify with any of these groups, check out these resources to support your health and wellness, explore arts & culture, and connect with your community.