Appointment of Vice-President Indigenous

Dear colleagues,

In the short time that Qwul’sih’yah’maht Robina Thomas has been associate vice-president Indigenous she has made significant contributions and progress towards ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing are respected and supported, and that they permeate and enrich everything we do at the university.

But we all recognize there is still much more to do. Moving this work forward requires challenging conversations about what we value and prioritize as an institution, and how we contribute to decolonization in a good way. It has become clear over the past 12 months that the critically important, complex and difficult work to decolonize UVic and contribute to reconciliation in a meaningful way should be led by a vice-president. As an area of highest priority for UVic it affects all areas of the university, and a senior leader is required to ensure that collaborative and constructive change continues.

On March 29, 2022 the Board of Governors approved the creation of a new non-academic vice-president Indigenous position at the University of Victoria. Given her outstanding performance as AVP Indigenous over the past year, her extensive expertise and deep knowledge, and with support from the Indigenous community, Qwul’sih’yah’maht Robina Thomas has been appointed as VP Indigenous for a three-year term commencing on April 1, 2022 and ending on March 31, 2025.

Robina started her employment at UVic on August 1, 1998. She currently holds an academic appointment in the Faculty of Human and Social Development as associate professor with tenure in the School of Social Work. Prior to her appointment as AVP Indigenous, she held the position of executive director of UVic’s Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, and special advisor to the president.

The work Robina has undertaken as AVP Indigenous will continue in her new role, including providing strategic leadership and direction in all aspects of our work towards decolonization and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. As many of you know, Robina and her team are currently consulting across campus and in community on the renewal of the Indigenous Plan. They are also creating a DRIPA action plan, working closely with Indigenous faculty and focusing on strengthening UVic’s relationships with Indigenous communities. 

As VP Indigenous, Robina will retain responsibility for the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement and is excited to start working with the new executive director of IACE, Kundoqk Jacquie Green on August 1, 2022.

I know you will join me in congratulating Robina on her appointment as vice-president Indigenous and continue to support her and her team with their important work.

Sincerely,
Kevin

Kevin Hall, PhD
President & Vice-Chancellor