Faculty departures raise questions as Indigenous scholars allege racism, poor treatment at University of Ottawa, CBC reports

Departures and unresolved concerns

Coburn, now an associate professor at McGill University, described his experience as a failed effort to include an Algonquin voice. He said the treatment reflected the university’s broader relationship with the Algonquin nation.

President acknowledges shortcomings

University of Ottawa president Marie-Eve Sylvestre said the university had not created an inclusive and respectful environment and that she wanted to establish conditions for improvement. Sylvestre became president in 2025, after serving as dean of the civil law section at the university’s law faculty.

She also said universities are colonial institutions, pointing to the university’s history. The institution was administered by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate until 1965; the Catholic order ran 46 residential schools.

Faculty describe lasting effects

Nancy Wiscutie-Crépeau said the university must recognize its history. She told CBC Indigenous she remained angry and bitter about her experience, which she described as colonial and disappointing.

McGuire-Adams said she left after microaggressions became too difficult. A former First Nations professor sued the university in 2023 for $1.4 million over alleged inappropriate sexual contact; the allegations have not been tested in court, no defences were filed, and the case’s resolution is unclear.

Retirement raises further questions

Métis professor Chartrand retired early, describing himself as a wounded soldier and the environment as toxic. He said the university’s bilingual status and mandate to preserve and develop francophone culture in Ontario could create friction with Indigenous initiatives.

Darren O’Toole, a Métis law associate professor at the university, said Chartrand’s retirement and later departures reinforced his concern. He described the university as a revolving door for Indigenous faculty.