Indigenous students
The Co-op Program at UVic connects Indigenous students and employers to meaningful and relevant employment opportunities. We’re committed to act on the recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s report, working closely with the community to develop new opportunities.
Taking part in the co-op program can help you gain valuable experience and connect to your home communities. Full-time and part-time students are welcome to join—we’ll work with you to find a balance that works.
Get support
Indigenous co-op and career coordinator
David Busch is the Indigenous co-op and career coordinator. He can help you develop hands-on work opportunities that speak to you.
"My name is David Busch. I am Nisga’a and Gitxsan as well as Scottish and German. I belong to the Eagle clan of the Nisga’a Nation. I was born and raised in Ladysmith B.C. My partner and I have two young daughters. I don’t have a ton of spare time these days but when I do I love spending it with friends and family, playing and watching sports and getting out on the land. I look forward to getting to know you as we work together in the near future."
Accessibility & inclusion coordinator
You can also connect with Niels Melis-De Lamper, who can help you find supportive opportunities and advocate for yourself in the workplace.
Find culturally relevant jobs
You can find or create roles that relate to your community and culture. This includes culturally relevant positions with Indigenous bands and organizations as well as large companies, government ministries and other groups that impact Indigenous communities.
Thrive at work
It’s important to feel supported and empowered in the workplace, but it’s hard to know where to start. The Indigenous Resource Hub can help you:
- navigate the process of self-locating and self-identifying
- interpret job postings and assess employers
- connect with support networks
You can also access resources for Indigenous students throughout your UVic journey.
Band funding
Taking part in co-op often works with band funding, but each band has different policies. Connect with your band to see how funding can work with your co-op degree. You can also contact the Indigenous co-op coordinator to navigate this process.
Funding may also be available for your co-op work terms. Explore funding opportunities for co-op students offered through UVic, or see third-party funding options.
Career fair and interview clinic
Curious about career options? Want to practice your interview skills? Each fall and spring, meet employers and make connections at the Career Fair and Mock Interview Clinic for Indigenous Students.
Indigenous International Exchange
As an Indigenous co-op student, you could travel to Australia to take part in a unique Indigenous co-op exchange that connects you to Indigenous people and communities.
You'll complete a co-op work term with the Ngarara Willim Centre at RMIT in Melbourne, Australia, while students from RMIT will travel to Victoria to take part in UVic's LE,NONET program and complete a community internship.
You could qualify for a $10,000 grant to support your travel and expenses.
Contact David Busch, the Indigenous co-op coordinator to learn more, and check out these details.
LE,NONET Program
LE,NONET (pronounced "le-nong-it") is a SENĆOŦEN word that literally means "paddling a canoe in a storm and making it through to the other side." It can also mean "success after enduring many hardships."
You can complete the LE,NONET Community Internship (IS 321) and gain 120 hours of work experience with an Indigenous community or organization of your choice. You’ll need to complete the IS 310 Preparation Seminar pre-requisite with a B+ (77%) or higher before you register for this course.
Contact Renée Livernoche to learn more.
Stay connected
We send out regular emails with new Indigenous-focused co-op positions, upcoming events and more.
Hiring Indigenous students
When you hire an Indigenous student, it’s important to do so in a good way.
- Learn how to support Indigenous students through the hiring process and in the workplace.
- See a range of employer funding options that can help you hire co-op students.