Transformation of UVic's Indigenous Governance program

The University of Victoria is undertaking a redesign and transformation of its Indigenous Governance (IGOV) program with the help of Indigenous scholars and students, local Elders and community members, after a recently completed review recommended changes to the program.

Programs like IGOV reflect UVic’s deep and longstanding commitment to foster respect and reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities, and to help address the enduring impacts of colonialism and systemic racism in Canada.

IGOV graduates play critical leadership roles in their communities, and in government and organizations at all levels, shaping the emerging new relationship between Canada and Indigenous people.

UVic initiated the review, which was Indigenous led and informed, after concerns were raised about the learning environment in the program.

To those who have not felt well-served by the program and have experienced any distress, the university is truly sorry. We are firmly committed to taking steps to ensure the program supports every student’s success in the best possible way.

While the review affirmed that IGOV has many strengths and positive attributes, ranging from its rich diversity of students, "whole person" learning approach, and the level of student success and impact on their communities after graduation, to the scholarship of the faculty and the rigorous and immersive academic environment, it also identified significant issues that must be addressed.

These include promoting inclusion and diversity in the program, and creating more room for alternative views and ideas; supporting Indigenous healing and reconciliation; reducing conflict; providing more land-based, community-centered learning; addressing classroom dynamics; and reconsidering the structure, pedagogy, and core values and vision of the program.

The way forward

UVic fully endorses these recommendations and is taking the following steps to implement them:

• engaging a team of Indigenous scholars to work with students, local Elders and community members, and deans to guide a transformational redesign of the program over the coming year. This will be co-led by UVic’s Executive Director of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, and  AVP Academic Planning;
• working with Elders, faculty and staff to support current IGOV MA and PhD students to successfully complete their studies;
• placing a hiatus on accepting new students into the program to ensure we have sufficient time and space to redesign the program. Students admitted for fall 2018 have been offered an alternative opportunity to enrol in an MA by special arrangement in Indigenous Nationhood and we’re currently exploring individual options for any PhD student affected;
• providing appropriate academic and cultural supports to current and future students, and culturally appropriate bystander-to-ally, anti-bullying, and cultural safety and racism training for all students, faculty and staff in the program.

There is much important work ahead and UVic is strongly committed to undertaking it in partnership with Indigenous students, faculty, staff, local Elders and community leaders.