As Aurora College prepares to transition into a polytechnic university, one of the priorities has been to establish a new tricameral governance model consisting of three bodies: the Board of Governors (the Board), the Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council (IKHC), and the Academic Council. Together, they will guide policies and operational decisions to steer the overall success of Aurora College.
The unique make-up of the tricameral system will ensure that governance reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of Northern communities. It will also promote greater autonomy and responsiveness to territorial and regional demands, positioning the Northwest Territories as a global leader in northern and Arctic education and research.
The overarching responsibility of the Board of Governors is to establish and advance the long-term vision of Aurora College. It is also responsible for monitoring and driving successful implementation of the College’s vision, mission and values. The Board of Governors is responsible for oversight of College facilities, finances and risk management. It also serves in an intermediary role between the College and the Minister for Education, Culture and Employment.
The Board of Governors has an essential role in developing an arm’s length relationship between the Government of the Northwest Territories and Aurora College. The Board will ensure diversity in appointments, with competencies being the priority for appointments. A minimum of five of the ten “at large” members must be Indigenous residents of the NWT. One student and two staff representatives sit on the Board, as well as the College President.
The Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council’s role is to promote policies and operational decisions that foster the success of Indigenous students and staff at Aurora College and the overall success of the institution. The IKHC will develop and monitor implementation of a framework that guides Aurora College in all areas of strategic and operational decision-making and that respects and honours the worldviews, traditions, cultures and histories of the Indigenous Peoples of the Northwest Territories. The IKHC has recently shared their Flowing Waters Framework, which sets up guiding principles and priorities for 2024-2027.
The Academic Council is the senior academic body of Aurora and is comprised of staff, faculty and student representatives. It advises the Board of Governors, makes recommendations on all academic matters, and helps to build the College’s capacity to make academic decisions. The creation of the Academic Council will help Aurora College to meet quality assurance requirements connected to academic decisions and ensure academic freedom. The Council is an interim step towards establishing a Senate as Aurora College transforms into a polytechnic university.
The unique make-up of the tricameral system will ensure that governance reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of Northern communities. It will also promote greater autonomy and responsiveness to territorial and regional demands, positioning the Northwest Territories as a global leader in northern and Arctic education and research.