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Faculty of Health

Indigenous student support

Two people at the Indigenous Student Support Centre smile at one another while sitting at a table.

Indigenous initiatives team

The Indigenous initiatives team supports Indigenous students academically, culturally and socially and creates safe spaces for Indigenous students during their studies in health.

Indigenous initiatives logo

Profile image of Ian Sam.

SDEMOXELTEN  Sam

Indigenous community engagement coordinator Dean's office

SDEMOXELTEN - Ian Sam is a member of the Tsartlip First Nation and worked as a teacher at the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School for over a decade. Ian brings a wealth of cultural and historical knowledge of the local territories and is a fluent language speaker.

What we do

The Indigenous initiatives team facilitates a wide range of services and supports for Indigenous students in the Faculty of Health. As an Indigenous health student, you have access to the following:

  • academic supports: join specialized workshops in partnership with UVic’s Centre for Academic Communications
  • community outreach: learn more from our team about studying health-related fields
  • cultural calendar: attend ongoing events focused on Coast Salish history, language art and song
  • cultural space: drop by our cultural space in room B211, second floor of the Human and Social Development Building
  • faculty-wide lunches: enjoy a meal with our health community; open to all Indigenous students, faculty and staff in the Faculty of Health
  • partner presentations: listen to guest speakers from across UVic, including from the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL), Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), Office of Equity and Human Rights (EQHR) and Office of Student Life (OSL)

Elder drop-in

Scott Sam

Born and raised in the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) community of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, Elder Scott Sam is dedicated to supporting Indigenous students within the Faculty of Health, bringing decades of cultural knowledge, community involvement, and relationship-building to his work. He visits the Indigenous Initiatives Cultural Space Wednesdays, from 10 am to 2 pm. Drop by to meet him.

Elder Scott Sam was born and raised in the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) community of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. Scott has worked closely with every school district from Sidney to Port Renfrew, offering guidance, cultural support, and meaningful opportunities for connection. His commitment to education extends across the post-secondary landscape as well—he maintains strong affiliations with colleges and universities throughout the Greater Victoria area, where he is often invited to lead singing, deliver land acknowledgments, and offer opening or welcoming words at major gatherings and events.

A cultural leader and knowledge keeper, Scott co-developed the OCM Drum Group alongside Toby Joseph, creating a space for youth and community members to learn, share, and express culture through song and rhythm. He also carries out cedar brushings for groups across many educational institutions, supporting wellness, grounding, and cultural continuity.

Scott's family has long-standing ties to ṮĆÁS (Discovery Island), a place of deep significance. His connection to the land informs his passions—he is an avid hunter and fisherman who believes strongly in living in balance with the natural world.

Throughout the community, Scott is known for uplifting the importance of sports, culture, education, and staying active as pillars of wellness. Whether working with students, community partners, or educational teams, Scott brings humility, strength, and cultural integrity to every space he enters.

Scott’s teachings and values are grounded in the land, the ancestors, and the belief that one must, “always remember who you are, and where you come from.”

Events

UVic-wide resources

UVic offers support to Indigenous students throughout your university experience—from your first communication with the university through graduation and beyond.

UVic’s Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) connects Indigenous students with the educational, financial and cultural resources available on campus and in local communities. These include:

For more information, email the coordinator of Indigenous student support or call 250-853-3599.

Stay connected

Sign up for IACE's listserv. It's a great way to stay connected, get information on IACE events, support services and financial announcements such as bursaries, scholarships and awards. Or, find IACE on , Instagram or the IACE website.

Indigenous graduate students

Graduate students have access to supports through the Indigenous Initiatives team and through the Faculty of Health's research support team. Visit Student Services for information on UVic-wide graduate student services. Information on graduate awards, scholarships and bursary information can be found on the Graduate Studies website. 

Academic help

  • the IACE website has information about academic supports for Indigenous students
  • at UVic Libraries, you can book a librarian, get help with citations, find tips on starting the research process and more
  • math and stats tutors hold office hours Monday and Friday, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the First Peoples House (FPH) during the academic year
  • the Centre for Academic Communication offers writing support including drafting papers, editing, tips on notetaking, paper formatting, etc.

Campus Cousin events

Campus Cousins are upper-level Indigenous students who run programming and events in the First Peoples House. From study halls and workshops to movie nights and feasts, they foster a sense of belonging and support for Indigenous students. 

For more information on Campus Cousin events, keep an eye on the IACE Instagram,  and the Campus Cousin Instagram page as well as signing up for the IACE mailing list. For more information, please contact the .

Elders in residence

Would you like to connect with one of our Elders In Residence? Elders are available on a drop-in basis Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the fall and winter terms. Look for them in the Elders' Lounge in First Peoples House.

Financial assistance

If you are experiencing financial hardship or an unforeseen circumstance, we have emergency bursaries available for students. 

We encourage you to connect with the Indigenous student support coordinator or the LE,NONET student engagement and support coordinator for more information and application forms.