UVic supports programs to increase First Nations teachers in K-12
September 25, 2025
The University of Victoria (UVic) is honoured to stand alongside First Nations in advancing community-driven teacher education. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills announced $5.4 million in funding to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention across the province.
Four of the six recipient Nations — Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation, Stz'uminus First Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, and W̱SÁNEĆ College — are partnering with UVic to design and deliver programs that reflect local priorities, languages, and education.
The University of Victoria (UVic) is proud to support four of six First Nations across British Columbia that received significant investments into community-based teacher education from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, announced yesterday.
Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Ktunaxa Nation and W̱SÁNEĆ College were among those selected for the $5.4 million in teacher recruitment and retention funding over two years. Each Nation sets the priorities and direction, and UVic’s Indigenous Education and Continuing Studies departments support those efforts with curriculum expertise and program delivery that connects local learning with university-level teacher education.
“Our ancestors remind us of our responsibility and birthright to carry forward the vision of our people. Guided by ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL—respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things—we uphold our commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with sincerity and action. First Nations have long carried the goals of revitalizing languages and educating teachers within their own communities. At UVic, we are honoured to walk alongside Nations to support these priorities, ensuring their visions are realized,” says Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, UVic acting president and vice-chancellor.
Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Ktunaxa Nation and W̱SÁNEĆ College were among those selected for the $5.4 million in teacher recruitment and retention funding over two years. Each Nation sets the priorities and direction, and UVic’s Indigenous Education and Continuing Studies departments support those efforts with curriculum expertise and program delivery that connects local learning with university-level teacher education.
“Our ancestors remind us of our responsibility and birthright to carry forward the vision of our people. Guided by ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL—respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things—we uphold our commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with sincerity and action. First Nations have long carried the goals of revitalizing languages and educating teachers within their own communities. At UVic, we are honoured to walk alongside Nations to support these priorities, ensuring their visions are realized,” says Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, UVic acting president and vice-chancellor.