The Office of Equity supports NorQuest’s strategic commitment of becoming a truly inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. Focusing on EDI, Anti-Racism, and Decolonization, and Indigenization, we strive to promote sustainable systemic change to address and remove barriers in higher education and creates greater access for all.
Through collaboration and interconnectedness with community, knowledge sharing and Indigenous ways of knowing, we are dedicated to nurturing a true sense of belonging, safety, and trust for every learner and NorQuester.
EDI definitions
Anti-racism
Anti-racism is the practice of actively identifying and opposing racism. The goal of anti-racism is to change policies, behaviors and beliefs that perpetuate racist ideas and actions.
Equity
Equity is about fairness, not sameness. It recognizes that there are different paths to achievement and each path requires unique inputs to achieve success.
Diversity
Diverity is not created but acknowledges the variety of differences already present in our society. Diversity encompasses the protected grounds found in human rights legislation (race, gender, religion, etc.), personal characteristics (personal habits, work experience), and organizational characteristics (work location, seniority).
Inclusion
Inclusion is the intentional act of recognizing and valuing diversity. It Is the degree to which one perceives that they are a valued member of their work group through treatment that satisfies their needs for belongingness and uniqueness.
Indigenization/Decolonization
Decolonization, as stated by Tuck and Ken Yang (2012), argues that decolonization is something that aims to unsettle and dismantle settler colonialism. Decolonization challenges the injustices of colonialism and racist oppression and affirms Indigenous worldviews by reclaiming Indigenous ways of knowing and being through teachings such as land-based learning.
Decolonization: Decolonization refers to the process of undoing or dismantling the systems, structures, and ideologies of colonialism. It involves challenging and transforming the power dynamics, institutions, and practices established during the colonial era and continue to perpetuate inequality, oppression, and cultural domination.
Indigenization: Indigenization refers to the process of incorporating Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, practices, and values into various aspects of society, including education, government, organizations, and cultural institutions. It involves recognizing and respecting the unique and diverse cultures, histories, languages, and traditions of Indigenous peoples and working towards creating more inclusive and equitable spaces for Indigenous communities.
Anti-Racism Policy
NorQuest College recognizes the right of members of the college community to have an educational institution that is free from racism. The purpose of this policy is to identify, define, address, and work towards eliminating all forms of racism at the college.
Anti-Racism Toolkit
The Anti-Racism Curriculum and Pedagogy Toolkit presents our vision, approach, tools and resources that will equip instructors and instructional teams to implement anti-racist pedagogy in their curriculum and teaching practice across all programs and courses at NorQuest College.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Action Report
At NorQuest, we strive to create a place of belonging for everyone where people can bring their whole selves to NorQuest and succeed in their roles. Our EDI and Anti-Racism Action Report outlines our path forward and how we plan to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization at the personal and systemic level.
Safe Disclosure Office
The Safe Disclosure Office creates a safe environment where you can confidentially express concerns. Each disclosure brought to us is handled with discretion and care.
We are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
BIPOC Mentorship
NorQuest College's BIPOC Mentorship Program will help increase the equity, diversity and inclusion of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) postsecondary students and facilitate a place of belonging. The program connects students from with a trustworthy mentor who will help them with personal, educational, and professional development, connection, and collaboration.
Email BIPOCMentorship@norquest.ca for more information
Awards and recognitions
The CiCan Awards showcase the extraordinary contribution of individuals to their college or institute communities and highlight the role of our institutions in social, cultural, and economic development.
- 2024 Bronze in in The Excellence in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion award
- 2023 Bronze in in The Excellence in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion award
Related policies and procedures
- Anti-Racism Policy
- Code of Conduct Policy
- Code of Conduct & Respectful Workplace & Learning Environment Complaints & Investigation Procedure
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act Policy
- Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Regulation
- Safe Disclosure Procedure
- Safe Disclosure Procedure for NorQuest Community Members (Non-Public Interest Disclosure Act)
- Security Incident and Criminal Activity Reporting and Investigations Procedure
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy
- Treaty 6 Territory Acknowledgement Procedure
- Workplace Harassment and Violence Policy
Treaty acknowledgement
Amiskwacîwâskahikan
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands, referred to as Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of Metis Region #4. This land is home to many diverse groups of Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis.
We also acknowledge that the City of Edmonton and all the people here are beneficiaries of Treaty No. 6. which encompasses the traditional territories of numerous western Canadian First Nations as well as the Métis people who have called these lands home since time immemorial.
The Office of Equity is committed to fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and reconciliation within our office. We recognize and value the unique knowledge, culture, and rights of Indigenous Peoples. We strive to build respectful relationships and support the self-determination of Indigenous communities.
NorQuest acknowledges the treaty, the land and the territories of Indigenous peoples as a reminder of:
- Our responsibility and obligations to the land and to Indigenous peoples,
- Our accountability to addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization that are distinct to Indigenous peoples and communities,
- To work together in remembering the spirit and intent of the Treaty towards right relations.