June 6, 2012

As the newly appointed National Aboriginal Economic Development Chair, Dr. Judith Sayers (Kekinusuqs) will use her legal experience and business acumen to help Aboriginal communities strengthen their economic potential.

“This appointment is a great opportunity for me explore more ways to engage Aboriginal communities — particularly Aboriginal youth — in entrepreneurship and economic development activities,” says Sayers, an assistant professor at the University of Victoria.
The former chief of the Hupacasath First Nation on Vancouver Island will continue teaching with the Faculty of Law and with the Gustavson School of Business.

The national chair position supports research, relationship-building and education to advance Aboriginal economic development in Canada. The chair was established in 2005 and is the first of its kind in Canada.

Sayers is internationally known for her work in economic development and serves as an adviser to First Nations and to corporations on First Nations issues. She is a business graduate, was one of the first Indigenous law school graduates of the University of British Columbia and holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Queen's University.

The national chair is funded by the federal and B.C. governments, EnCana Corporation, BC Hydro, and Enbridge Incorporated.

Sayers will continue the outreach and initiatives begun by inaugural chair Professor James Hopkins and will host an annual symposium late this fall on Aboriginal economic development. Her appointment runs from May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013.

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Media contacts:
Dr. Judith Sayers (Business and Law) 250-720-9328 or jsayers@uvic.ca
Dianne George (Gustavson School of Business) 250-721-6411 

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