Indigenous Student Services

Office of Indigenous Affairs and First Peoples House

Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, BSW (UVic), M.Ad.Ed. (St. FX), Director and Manager of the First Peoples House

Veronica Lefebvre, BA (Concordia), Director’s Assistant

Carly Cunningham, BA (UVic), First Peoples House Receptionist

The Office of Indigenous Affairs (INAF) promotes, supports and facilitates UVic’s comprehensive Indigenous initiatives, including academic programs, student support services, protocol activities and the First Peoples House. The office also provides advice to university departments, faculty members, staff and administrators and works to expand UVic partnerships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations. The office is located in the First Peoples House, General Office (email: inafadm@uvic.ca and phone: 250-472-4913).

The Director provides advice to University departments, faculty members, staff and administrators as well as expanding and strengthening UVic partnerships and collaborations with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations.

The Director works closely with the President, Vice-Presidents, Deans, Chairs, Academic and research units and Student and Ancillary Services and ensures a coordinated and proactive approach to Indigenous initiatives, both on and off campus. The Director has an influential role in developing policy related to Indigenous education. (franhj@uvic.ca and 250-721-6326).

The Office of Indigenous Affairs replaces the former Aboriginal Liaison Office, and has an expanded role and mandate in keeping with the University’s goal to be the University of choice for Indigenous students.

Indigenous Counselling And Support

Other staff serving Indigenous students include:

• Office of Indigenous Affairs: Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support, Trevor Good (250-853-3599 or inafco@uvic.ca)
• Office of Indigenous Affairs: Cultural Protocol Liaison, Deb George, (250-472-4106 or inafev@uvic.ca)
• Office of Indigenous Affairs: Indigenous Community Liaison and Outreach Coordinator, Lalita David (250-853-3729 or inafclo@uvic.ca)
• First Peoples House: Indigenous Student Counsellor, Dr. William McGhee (250-472-5119)
• Indigenous Education Advisor and Coordinator, Faculty of Education, Nick Claxton (250-721-8389)
• Indigenous Adviser, Faculty of Human and Social Development,
• Director, Academic and Cultural Support Program, Faculty of Law, Maxine Matilpi (250-721-8171)

Native Students Union

The Native Students Union works toward empowering students to benefit from technical and academic learning available at UVic while maintaining strong cultural and spiritual ties with other Indigenous students involved in higher education. Activities include regular meetings, as well as social and cultural events.

The Native Students Union (250-472-4394) is located in the basement of the Student Union Building, B120.