Indigenous Student Services

Office of Indigenous Affairs

Ruth Young, BPHE (Laurentian University), BEd (Nipissing University), CIS (UBC), Acting Director of the Office of Indigenous Affairs

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

The Office of Indigenous Affairs (INAF) promotes, supports and facilitates UVic's comprehensive Indigenous initiatives including: academic programs, student support services and protocol activities.

The office also provides advice to university departments, faculty members, staff and administrators to expand UVic partnerships 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 Affairs 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. (ryoung@uvic.ca and 250-721-6326).

The Office of Indigenous Affairs has an expanded role and mandate in keeping with the University's goal to be the University of choice for Indigenous Students. The office is located in the First Peoples House, General Office (email: inafadm@uvic.ca and phone: 250-472-4913).

First Peoples House

Ruth Young, BPHE (Laurentian University), BEd (Nipissing University), CIS (UBC), Acting Manager of the First Peoples House

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

The First Peoples House was built (2009) intentionally to support Indigenous students. We welcome and encourage others to come in and be a part of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous students at the University of Victoria. It is asked that all those who enter this place do so with respect for the ancestors, the original care-takers of this land, and for each other.

The First Peoples House does have spaces available for booking. All room usage in the First Peoples House must meet the objectives of Indigenous Education and/or Indigenous Cultural Resurgence. For more information about the First Peoples House and booking inquiries please contact the First Peoples House Receptionist (fph@uvic.ca and 250-853-3601).

Indigenous Counselling and Support

Other staff serving Indigenous students include:

Office of Indigenous Affairs

• Coordinator of Indigenous Student Support, Crystal Seibold (inafco@uvic.ca and 250-853-3599)
• Cultural Protocol Liaison, Deb George (inafev@uvic.ca and 250-472-4106)
• Indigenous Community Liaison and Outreach Coordinator, Lalita Morrison (inafclo@uvic.ca and 250-853-3729)
• Indigenous Counsellor, Sylvie Cottell (inafic@uvic.ca and 250-721-8341)

Faculty of Education

• Indigenous Education Adviser and Coordinator, Nick Claxton (iedadvis@uvic.ca and 250-721-8389)

Faculty of Law

• Director, Academic and Cultural Support Program, Maxine Matilpi (mmatilpi@uvic.ca and 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.