Visionary leadership

April 08, 2024

(Photo: a beach on Calvert Is., BC central coast. Credit: Tula Foundation)

Eric Peterson and Christina Munck, founders of the Tula Foundation, share their commitment to tackling urgent global issues through collaborative and comprehensive approaches that weave together science and technology. From coastal biodiversity and public health to data management and mobilization, the Tula Foundation drives pivotal action for coastal conservation and ocean research in BC and beyond.

The University of Victoria (UVic) and the Faculty of Social Sciences share our gratitude for the Tula Foundation’s extraordinary partnership and multi-million-dollar investment in vital research and dynamic learning over the years. Together, we have advanced knowledge of coastal communities and the ocean while training the next generation(s) of thought leaders, practitioners, and change makers.

On March 13, Peterson and Munck announced a final donation of approximately $92 million to the Tula Foundation. The funds will help Tula continue to catalyze scientific-based innovation while beginning its transition to independent sustainability.

UVic professor emeritus and former Hakai Chair of Ethnoecology, Dr. Nancy Turner, responded to the Foundation’s news of the transition through the lens of a botanist - she immediately took to the idea of planting seeds and realized, “what a perfect metaphor it was, both for the original seeds they planted in establishing Tula Foundation, Hakai Institute, Hakai Magazine, and for the new seeds they are now sowing.”

“They planted seeds for so many of us through the numerous research projects, field trips, collaborations with Coastal First Nations, and support of so many students and community researchers, coastal guardians, and land-based events,” says Turner.

“The world is a better place, and our understanding of it has improved markedly because of their foresight, generosity, and brilliance--all we can all say is Walas Giǎxsix̌a, Gilakas’la, HÍSW̱ḴE! Klecko, klecko; ǧiànakaci, Stutwiniitscw, thank you, Eric and Christina,” adds Turner.

Brian Starzomski, professor, School of Environmental Studies, was part of the original group of researchers who met with Peterson and Munck when they launched the Hakai Institute. Starzomski taught the first field course at the new Hakai Beach Institute on the remote Central Coast of BC.

“Eric and Christina have touched the lives of so many people around the coast; the impact is felt far and wide through the research they’ve supported and continue to support, the programs they’ve helped to develop, and the emerging scholars and practitioners they helped launch through UVic,” says Starzomski.

According to Faculty of Social Sciences researchers, Tula funding has supported approximately 160 peer-reviewed publications (articles, chapters, books, etc.), touching on a variety of themes: restoration, reconciliation, biodiversity, marine food supply, conservation research, Indigenous research, paleontology, and ethnobotany. This body of work is a testament to the depth of research made possible through the supportive relationship between researchers and Tula’s Hakai Institute.

“It has been scientifically relevant on a global scale, and deeply personally relevant in communities working on solutions to difficult problems…UVic has benefitted more than anyone from this support, and for this, I offer our greatest thanks for the visionary leadership of Eric Peterson and Christina Munck, as the leaders behind the wonderful Hakai Institute and Tula Foundation,” adds Starzomski.

UVic researchers will continue their work at the Hakai Institute on Calvert Island and Quadra Island with further collaborations with community researchers and emerging scholars.

Dynamic learning. Vital research. Coastal and community impact. Thank you, Eric and Christina!

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