Indigenous initiatives, resources & events
Explore resources, events and initiatives designed to support Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and community members at UVic. Find pathways to learning, connection and cultural celebration.
Territory acknowledgement
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Office of the Vice-President Indigenous
Etalew̓txʷ | ÁTOL,ÁUTW̱ | Centre of respect for the rights of one another and all beings, the Office of the Vice-President Indigenous (OVPI) provides guidance and oversight of UVic’s Indigenous portfolio, which includes student support services and programming, policy, Indigenous initiatives and procedural developments, and the implementation of the Indigenous Plan.
UVic’s Indigenous Plan
Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to Move Each Other Forward
UVic's renewed Indigenous Plan 2023 weaves together our shared responsibilities to the local Nations, Indigenous students, staff and faculty through local laws and philosophies. Together with the university’s strategic plan, it shapes a future built on reciprocity, respect and moving forward together.
Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement
The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) is a welcoming space for cultural grounding, academic support and community connection. IACE supports Indigenous students throughout their educational journeys, and works closely with Indigenous staff, faculty, Elders and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for learning and collaboration. Whether you’re seeking guidance, looking to build partnerships, or wanting to engage with Indigenous programs and initiatives on campus, IACE is here to walk alongside you.
Indigenous Alum Community
Join UVic Chancellor and Honorary Chair of the Indigenous Alum Community, the Honourable Dr. Marion Buller (LLB ’86, BA ’75) in this community led by Indigenous alums and students, for Indigenous alums and students.
Indigenous events
Many events on Indigenous topics hosted at the university are open to the wider community, including lectures, performances, film screenings and conferences.
Indigenous research
Indigenous law
In 2018, UVic launched the world’s first joint Indigenous law degree. The program combines intensive study of Canadian Common Law with intensive engagement with Indigenous laws. Students graduate with a degree in Canadian Common Law (JD) and a degree in Indigenous Legal Orders (JID). The Faculty of Law program will also be the home of a new National Centre for Indigenous Laws.
The Indigenous Law Research Unit (ILRU) is an independent research unit housed at UVic's Faculty of Law dedicated to community-led revitalization and implementation of Indigenous law and governance.
Indigenous language revitalization
Indigenous languages hold a wealth of knowledge and unique expression. Each language carries and represents a whole history, relationship to the land and distinct ways of thinking. They hold unique knowledge about living in the world, including traditions and ceremony.
For over 45 years, UVic has been a leader in supporting local and national Indigenous language revitalization efforts.
Indigenous economic development
Through education, training and research, the National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development (NCIED) is supporting the next generation of Indigenous business leaders. NCIED works with Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs to advance traditional best practices, innovation, and Indigenous economic development across the country.