A message from the Dean

As we reach the middle of the winter term with the cherry blossoms already blooming in the city and on campus, I cannot help but reflect on the many accomplishments in the Faculty of Humanities over the last six months. 

In the pages of this term's newsletter, we are pleased to feature the recipients of the Humanities research, teaching, and staff awards and a selection of the major achievements of our students and alumni. We also cover the recent launch of a new documentary, Lii Michif Niiyanaan: We Are Métis, created by award winning filmmaker and UVic emeritus professor Christine Welsh (Gender Studies) and executive producer Jeannine Carrière (Social Work), a film that “serves as a tribute to the courage, determination and resilient spirit of the Métis Nation.”

The past several months have also brought changes at the Humanities Media and Computing Centre, with Stewart Arneil’s retirement after nearly 30 years at UVic, including many years of tireless dedication as manager of the unit. We are excited to welcome Janelle Jenstad (English) as the Acting Director. And I wish to extend a warm welcome to Katy DeCoste, our new Communications Officer, who joined the Dean’s office team in November.

Finally, we are very much looking forward to Humanities Week. Please join us for the Six Stories in Six Objects panel on February 13, which will focus on the theme Environment Matters, and the always exciting Unessay Competition on February 15 where students compete for top prizes (including audience favourite) by presenting their research through any creative form of expression that is not an essay.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter and sending warmest wishes to all.

- Annalee Lepp, Dean

February 12, 2024