Honouring Lalita Kines, acting vice-president Indigenous

May 29, 2026

Lalita wrapped in a blanket — The OVPI team wrapped Lalita in a blanket to honour her leadership as acting vice-president Indigenous

For the past 10 months, Lalita Kines has carried the responsibilities of Acting Vice-President Indigenous during a significant time of transition for Etalew̓txʷ | ÁTOL,ÁUTW̱ | the Office of the Vice-President Indigenous.

When there were many unknowns and no clear timeline ahead, Lalita stepped forward with courage, humility and a deep commitment to the work. She helped keep the canoe paddling through uncertain waters and ensured that relationships remained strong, priorities continued to advance and our team stayed grounded in a good way. Throughout this journey, Lalita led with ʔay̓ šqʷeləqʷən | ÍY, ŚḰÁLEȻEN| a good heart and a good mind. She carried the work with care, integrity and respect, always keeping the well-being of our communities, students, staff, faculty and partners at the centre of her decisions.

During the welcome ceremony for the new Vice-President Indigenous, Dr. Angela Jaime, we witnessed a meaningful moment as Lalita gifted Angela a beaded feather. The gesture symbolized the passing of responsibility and leadership, while honouring the work that has come before and the journey still ahead. It was a beautiful reflection of Indigenous values, teachings and the importance of carrying one another forward.

Lalita gifting Angela a beaded eagle feather

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for us to blanket and honour Lalita. We were able to hold her up, wrap her in good feelings and acknowledge the responsibilities she has carried and recognize the tremendous work she has done on behalf of the university and Indigenous communities over these past 10 months

We raise our hands to Lalita and are deeply grateful for the care, wisdom and commitment she brought to this role and for the relationships she has nurtured along the way.

🧡 Hay sxʷ q̓a | HÍSW̱ḴE | Thank you, Lalita.