Our Commitment to Indigenous Initiatives
Supporting student diversity and services remains a key strategic priority at Luther College at the University of Regina (LCUR). As part of our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, LCUR is proud to support several Indigenous programming and reconciliation initiatives. Below is a brief overview of initiatives that reflect this broader institutional commitment.
Project of Heart
Project of Heart (POH) is an arts-based educational program that teaches about the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. Created by University of Regina graduate student Sylvia Smith, POH helps participants learn the truth about this history, commemorate the children who were lost, and understand how residential schools continue to affect Indigenous communities today. The program also encourages all Canadians to reflect on colonial practices and take action toward meaningful reconciliation.
Luther College supports this important work by financing an annual eight-week workshop series open to faculty, staff, students, and community members. These sessions combine learning, artistry, and Indigenous ceremony to foster understanding and build right relationships grounded in truth and reconciliation. To date, more than 200 people have participated in Project of Heart at Luther College at the University of Regina.
Seven Grandfather Teachings
The Seven Grandfather Teachings represent a series of principles guiding human behavior towards others. These teachings: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth have been essential since traditional times and remain crucial for the survival of communities today.
Each teaching begins with a smudge, followed by soup and bannock. We encouraged people to attend all 7 sessions as these were presented as a whole teaching. Certificates were provided to those who attended all 7.
The 7 Grandfather Teachings have concluded, below are links to all of the recordings: