Indigenous and cultural studies

Celebrating cultural diversity

UVic experts are working with communities and organizations in Canada and around the world to understand, preserve and celebrate the traditions and well-being of other cultures.

UVic has a special interest in the Indigenous cultures of British Columbia and Canada. Areas of expertise include:

First Nations language revitalization
ethnobotany and traditional ecological knowledge
the archaeology of the Northwest coast
First Nations education
Indigenous governance
the history of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations
Indigenous peoples and the law
First Nations culture in art and film

Browse the expertise database to learn more about Indigenous and Cultural Studies research at UVic

Researcher spotlights

Opening doors—and minds

All her life Lorna Williams has lived within the sheltering embrace of her Lil’wat community and the traditions of her people. Now, as the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge and Learning, she is guided by their spirits in her efforts to assert and promote Indigenous perspectives and values within the traditions of teaching and learning in Canada.

Williams’ studies are advancing our understanding of Indigenous perspectives on language and learning, and providing the inspiration for innovative curriculum design in schools and universities.

Creating economic opportunities

Investigating the economic options available to Aboriginal communities is the mandate of James Hopkins, who is Canada’s first National Aboriginal Economic Development Chair.

Based in the faculties of business and law, Hopkins is directing a program of research, relationship-building and educational initiatives aimed at promoting Aboriginal economic development in Canada.

Hopkins says, ”This chair is providing Aboriginal communities with information and research on the economic environments in which they operate, as well as strategies for promoting sustainable forms of economic development.”