The Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the First Nations Centre are UNBC’s Indigenous Resources Dati (Doorway) to achieving its Indigenization pillar of the Academic Action Plan and its commitment to reconciliation.
Strategic Indigenization Priorities
- Engage and consult with Indigenous communities, students and faculty on indigenization
- Strategic planning and implementation of Indigenous initiatives
- Liaise with senior administration
- Develop and maintain Indigenous Pathways and Partnerships (IPP) program
- Develop an Indigenous Action Plan that aligns with UNBCs Strategic Road Map and IPP
- Develop meaningful, ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities
- Build long-term relationships that serve the needs of Indigenous communities and students
- Ensure Indigenous students receive the necessary support through our First Nations Centre
Indigenization Milestones
In recent years, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) has celebrated several important milestones. These include sharing the history of the Wabooz Garden and installing plant signage to honour traditional plant medicine. The Office of Indigenous Initiatives worked with the University in consultation with Lheidli T’enneh Elders and renamed The Fire Circle to Tseba. The Research Studio was also renamed the Eddie Frederick Indigenous Research Studio, and Lahuwazdel received a commemorative plaque in honour of Sophie Thomas. In addition, Dakelh Elder and UNBC founding member Yvonne Pierreroy was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her longstanding dedication to sharing knowledge that has profoundly shaped the University.