Indigenous plans

Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to move each other forward, UVic's Indigenous Plan 2023

Working in consultation with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, students, staff, faculty and community members, Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to move each other forward was shaped in tandem with Distinctly UVic, the institution’s new strategic plan. Both envision a future where ways of knowing, being and learning are embedded into UVic’s programs, systems and organizational structure. Local Indigenous languages and teachings are used instead of settler terminology as the foundation of these plans.

The SENĆOŦEN name of the Indigenous Plan was shared by J,SIṈTEN, Dr. John Elliott (Tsartlip First Nation) and translated into Lək̓ʷəŋən by Seniemten, Dr. Elmer George (Songhees Nation). For pronunciations, visit www.uvic.ca/ovpi/language.

The plan reinforces UVic’s commitment to implement responsibilities and calls to action from all levels of government in support of the rights and sovereignties of Indigenous Peoples, including the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA Act).

Download the complete Indigenous Plan or view a summary of the plan framework.

Past Indigenous Plans

Aboriginal Service plan

The Aboriginal Service Plan is comprised of a series of year-round activities, initiatives and events to support Indigenous students in their post-secondary journeys; this includes Elders in Residencetutoring, weekly Noon Networking presentations, arts and culture workshops, Week of Welcome, and Week of Wellness.

The approved Aboriginal Service Plan for 2020-21 has more information on programs and partnerships. The ASP Report for 2019-20 has information about programs and services delivered last year.


For more information on either plan, please contact the .