Madeleine Stinson

Topic

Public Administration Education in Canada: How We Are Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in Our Postsecondary Institutions

School of Public Administration

Date & location

• Monday, August 12, 2024
• 10:00 A.M.
• Clearihue Building, Room B021

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Heather Castleden, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Astrid Pérez Piñán, School of Public Administration, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Rob Hancock, Department of Anthropology, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Kim Venn, Department of Physics and Astronomy, UVic

Abstract

This thesis explores the ways in which postsecondary public administration programs across Canada have responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in their curriculum, pedagogy, and strategic activities. Approaching the ten-year anniversary of the TRC’s Final Report, this study sought to understand what progress has been made by the public institutions largely responsible for educating public servants. This study explored program responses through (1) a review of websites and program curriculum; (2) interviews with Program Heads on their program’s engagement; and (3) interviews with faculty from one program on their engagement. Research findings suggest a hesitancy across the discipline to engage with truth, reconciliation, decolonizing, and Indigenizing, including in discussion about how this work should be done. However, it also indicates that there are programs championing this work. Importantly, this study highlights the need for communication within the discipline to further commitments to truth and reconciliation.