Nəc̓ əmaat kʷəns čeʔi | ĆȺNEUEL OL

Composite image of Val Napolean, Robina Thomas, Ry Moran and Jean Paul Restoule.

Work together

This teaching reminds us of the strengths we find in working collectively, relationally and by consensus. We hold ourselves accountable to each other and by the work ahead, respecting and supporting the different ways we come together.

University of Victoria · Nəc̓əmaat Kʷəns Čeʔi | Work together

Powering a return home

As the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation look to return to Yuquot year-round, sourcing reliable and affordable power may be possible thanks to a partnership with PRIMED, a division of the UVic-based Accelerating Community Energy (ACET) initiative. Read the full story.

Working together in action

Val Napoleon stands at a podium and speaks into a microphone at an event for the Next Steps program.

Indigenous-led initiative to revitalize legal orders

A yellow sheet of paper with the question "What are your concerns?" is on a table, with sticky note comments on the sheet.

Indigenous Citizenship Declaration Policy launches

10 years of learning, four teachings for the future

Ten people stand in a line side by side in the Stz'uminus Big House, with wooden bench seats behind them.

Increasing First Nations teachers in K-12

Leah Fulton points on a map that shows Indigenous communities and the areas of treaty and non-treaty relations.

Exterior of the new Indigenous Law wing.

The Coast Salish-inspired Indigenous Law wing

Portrait images of François Bastien, Danielle Geller and Sarah Morales.

Welcoming new associate deans Indigenous

Portrait photos of JP Restoule, Onowa McIvor, Joe Brant and Andrea Custer on a graphic background.

Indigenous languages return home

Co-create with us

The Office of the Vice-President Indigenous was gifted a name, Etalew̓txʷ | ÁTOL ÁUTW, by J,SINTEN, Dr. John Elliott, which means the centre of respect for the rights of one another and all beings.

Meet Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Dr. Robina Thomas

Explore programs

Wherever you’re from, you’ll soon feel at home at UVic. Choose from more than 100 undergraduate academic programs and 120 graduate programs.

Download the UVic Indigenous Students Viewbook

Territory acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Indigenous Plan

Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to move each other forward, UVic's renewed Indigenous Plan is grounded in the guidance of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, local Nations and Indigenous students, staff and faculty. At the heart of the Plan are four laws and philosophies that carry important teachings about how we relate to one another and to these lands. These teachings guide our commitments across the university—shaping our priorities in areas such as wellness, learning, research, culture and community relationships.

Learn more about the four teachings—including their pronunciations—and explore how they guide the goals and priorities of the Indigenous Plan.

Héʔəkʷ ʔə cə čəléŋən ɫtə | HÁEQ TE OL TŦE ĆELÁṈEN TE | Remember our ancestors and our birthright

Nəc̓ əmaat kʷəns čeʔi | ĆȺNEUEL OL | Work together

Nəw̓ es šxʷ cən ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən | ÁMEḴT TŦEN ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN | Bring in your good heart and mind

Leʔt šxʷ helə ʔə cə mak̓ʷ sčeʔi səʔ | S,HOI EI MEQ EN ENA SE SĆȺ | Be prepared for the work to come

Remembering, listening & respecting

National Indigenous Languages Day: March 31

A woman with dark hair holds out her hands while teaching Cree language.

Indigenous languages hold a wealth of knowledge and unique expression, including traditions and ceremony. Each language carries a whole history, relationship to the land and distinct ways of thinking.

Red Dress Day: May 5

Artwork "Missing You My Sister" courtesy of artist Lou-ann Neel

On this national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people, we wear red to honour our mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, aunts, siblings and diversely gendered relatives.

National Indigenous History Month / Peoples Day: June 21

Up close shot of hands working on a drum weave.

June is a time for all Canadians—Indigenous, non-Indigenous and newcomers—to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Orange Shirt Day: September 30

Indigenous artwork of heart with children's hands on an orange background

Orange Shirt Day is an annual movement in Canada. Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together in the spirit of hope and reconciliation to honour former residential school students, their families and communities.