Indigenous initiatives, resources & events
Explore resources, events and initiatives designed to support Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and community members at UVic.. Find pathways to learning, connection and cultural celebration.
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.
Vice-President Indigenous
Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Dr. Robina Thomas is the founding Vice-President Indigenous (VPI).
The VPI provides leadership and direction that furthers UVic's commitment to truth, respect and reconciliation as identified in UVic's Strategic and Indigenous plans.
UVic’s Indigenous Plan
Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to Move Each Other Forward
UVic's Indigenous Plan 2023 represents an essential foundation for UVic’s future, alongside UVic’s new Strategic Plan and other institutional plans. This plan weaves together our shared responsibilities to the local Nations, Indigenous students, staff and faculty through local laws and philosophies.
Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement
The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) serves as a hub for cultural, academic and community connections. Whether you’re a student seeking guidance, a community looking to collaborate, or an individual interested in learning more about Indigenous initiatives at UVic, IACE is here to support you on your journey. We work closely with Indigenous students, staff, faculty, Elders and community to create opportunities for meaningful engagement, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives and voices are woven into the fabric of our work.
Indigenous Alum Community
Join UVic Chancellor and Honorary Chair of the Indigenous Alum Community, the Honourable Dr. Marion Buller (LLB ’86, BA ’75) in this community led by Indigenous alums and students, for Indigenous alums and students.
Indigenous events
Many events on Indigenous topics hosted at the university are open to the wider community, including lectures, performances, film screenings and conferences.
Indigenous research
Indigenous law
In 2018, UVic launched the world’s first joint Indigenous law degree. The program combines intensive study of Canadian Common Law with intensive engagement with Indigenous laws. Students graduate with a degree in Canadian Common Law (JD) and a degree in Indigenous Legal Orders (JID). The Faculty of Law program will also be the home of a new National Centre for Indigenous Laws.
Our Indigenous Law Research Unit (ILRU) is the only dedicated research centre on Indigenous law in Canada.
Indigenous language revitalization
Indigenous languages hold a wealth of knowledge and unique expression. Each language carries and represents a whole history, relationship to the land and distinct ways of thinking. They hold unique knowledge about living in the world, including traditions and ceremony.
For over 45 years, UVic has been a leader in supporting local and national Indigenous language revitalization efforts.
Indigenous economic development
Through education, training and research, the National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development (NCIED) is supporting the next generation of Indigenous business leaders. NCIED works with Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs to advance traditional best practices, innovation, and Indigenous economic development across the country.