Award Recipients

The Athletics Department at Humber College has shown commendable dedication to promoting Indigenous Ways of Being, Knowing, and Doing (IWBKD). An impactful example is their collaboration with Tribal Lands, a youth-run Indigenous brand, to design jerseys for the Humber Hawks rugby teams. This initiative not only highlighted Indigenous art and culture but also cultivated meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, directly supporting Humber's strategic goal of fostering a healthy and inclusive community.

Additionally, the jerseys were unveiled in September to coincide with Orange Shirt Day, highlighting the department's dedication to integrating Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing across Humber's activities. This partnership with the Indigenous community and IE&E exemplifies Athletics' proactive approach in implementing Humber’s Indigenous education plan.

Other examples include:

• Partnerships with Indigenous Organizations:
  • Collaborated with the Indigenous Education & Engagement department to host joint sports clinics and wellness workshops for Indigenous youth, promoting traditional games and sports.
• Community Engagement:
  • Established a community outreach program to engage with local Indigenous communities, inviting them to participate in campus athletic events. Implementation of Inclusive Programs or Initiatives: The implementation of Indigenous-designed jerseys for the Humber Hawks rugby teams is a concrete example of a program that enhances inclusivity. By actively involving a youth-run Indigenous brand, the Athletics Department has fostered inclusive processes and practices that celebrate Indigenous culture within the athletics program.
• Inclusive Events and Celebrations:
  • Held Orange Shirt Day activities, raising awareness about the impact of residential schools.
  • This included providing athletes with a Humber Athletics Orange Shirt. A shirt that was then worn by teams during warm-ups at provincial and national tournaments.
• Cultural Integration in Athletics:
  • Featured Indigenous art and symbols in athletic facilities.
  • Incorporated land acknowledgments and traditional blessings at athletic events.

The Athletics Department at Humber has significantly advanced the integration of Indigenous Ways of Being, Knowing, and Doing (IWBKD) within their programs, notably through initiatives such as the collaboration with a Tribal Lands, a youth-run Indigenous brand to design Humber Hawks rugby jerseys. These efforts reflect their dedication to fostering an inclusive campus environment aligned with the Mino Nawendiwin Award criteria. For further details, you can refer to the article on Humber Today: Humber Hawks Rugby Teams Wearing Jerseys Designed by Youth-Run Indigenous Brand.