Reconciliation is a complex concept, meaning different things to different people, but one thing many agree upon is that significant structural and societal changes are needed.
Reconciliation and collaboration with Indigenous communities are woven into the fabric of Vancouver Island University’s five-year Strategic Plan, People, Place, Potential. As part of the University’s key commitment to do more to honour Indigenous students, employees and communities, and deepen our understanding of Indigenous knowledges, this virtual dialogue brought together partners in the philanthropic, private, public and academic sectors:
- Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor
- Michael Calvert, Interim Chair of VIU’s Indigenous Commitments Committee (moderator)
- Bruce Lawson, Executive Director of the Counselling Foundation of Canada
- Wanda Brascoupe Kennedy, Founder of the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund
- Victoria Grant, Founder of the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund
- Udlu Hanson, VP of Community and Strategic Development with Baffinland Iron Mines
- Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Women and Gender Equality Canada
- Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Jessica Wood, Associate Deputy Minister, Declaration Act Secretariat, Government of BC
Watch the recording: