Role & mandate
Guiding statement
Rooted in the teaching of ʔetalnəwəl | ÁTOL,NEUEL | Showing respect for the rights of one another and all living things, and honouring the laws and protocols of the traditional territories, the Office of the Vice-President Indigenous (OVPI) leads the university’s Indigenous initiatives and priorities.
Laws & philosophies
- Héʔəkʷ ʔə cə čəléŋən ɫtə | HÁEQ ȽTE OL TŦE ĆELÁṈEN ȽTE| Remember our ancestors and birthright
- Nəc̓əmaat kʷəns čeʔi | ĆȺNEUEL OL | Work together
- Nəw̓es šxʷ cən ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən | ÁMEḴT TŦEN ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN | Bring in your good heart and mind
- Leʔt šxʷ helə ʔə cə məkʷ sčeʔi səʔ | S,HOL EṮ MEQ EN ENÁ SE SĆȺ | Be prepared for the work to come
Names and teachings are provided in Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees & Esquimalt Peoples) | SENĆOŦEN (WSÁNEĆ Peoples) | English
Responsibilities
The OVPI is responsible for:
- the development of a strategy that integrates Indigenous cultures, histories, beliefs and ways of being and knowing across all aspects of the university’s mission
- supporting the work of the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, including student supports and community connections
- working closely with the office of Equity and Human Rights on a coordinated approach to systemic issues
The OVPI will seek guidance and direction from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, colleagues and community leaders to achieve this visionary direction.
Community
The VPI co-chairs the Indigenous Community Engagement Council (ICEC). The ICEC provides a forum for discussion among local Chiefs, community leaders and UVic leadership. Members of the ICEC advise and support UVic in the implementation of the Strategic Framework and Indigenous Plan.
Leadership
As the founding VPI, Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Robina Thomas is an integral member of the leadership team and reports to President Hall. The UVic executive leadership team is committed to walking alongside Robina and to helping achieve our shared objectives.
Robina was appointed as the founding Associate Vice-President Indigenous in April 2021 and became VP Indigenous as of April 1, 2022.
Academic programs
Academic programs with an Indigenous focus:
- Child and Youth Care [BCYC, MA, PhD, Graduate Diploma]
- Foundations in Indigenous Fine Arts [Certificate]
- Indigenous Education [MA, MEd, Graduate Certificate]
- Indigenous Language Revitalization [BEd, Certificate]
- Indigenous Governance [MA, Graduate Certificate]
- Indigenous Studies [BA, Minor]
- Law [JD, JID, LLM, PhD, Graduate Certificate]
- Public Health and Social Policy [MPH, Graduate Diploma]
- Social Work [BSW, MSW]
Resources
For more information
- Appointment of Vice-President Indigenous (April 4, 2022)
- Media release—Accountability to ancestors and community key in new Indigenous leadership role
- Article—Qwul’sih’yah’maht Robina Thomas steps into new role as Associate Vice President Indigenous
- Announcement of a new Indigenous leadership role at UVic