Claire Grogan

This Policy Framework and Action Plan aims to improve post-secondary opportunities and outcomes for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in British Columbia. It focuses on five main goals: achieving systemic change within the education system, supporting community-based program delivery, reducing financial barriers, ensuring seamless K-12 to post-secondary transitions, and driving continuous improvement through data and leading practices. The overarching vision is for Aboriginal learners to succeed in an integrated, relevant, and effective education system, enhancing their participation in social, cultural, and economic life, with targets to increase credentials awarded by 75% and K-12 to post-secondary transition rates to 90% by 2020.

This document provides an update on the implementation and progress of the Vancouver Island University Aboriginal Education Plan, originally approved in January 2016. It details advancements across 16 strategic priority areas, encompassing student learning and success, academic community engagement with Indigenous knowledge, program quality, and community partnerships. The report highlights ongoing efforts to foster a holistic environment for Indigenous learners, enhance transitions, support faculty and staff, integrate Indigenous perspectives into curriculum, and promote truth and reconciliation.

The Indigenous Access and Enrolment Plan for Vancouver Island University outlines collaborative and supportive pathways for Indigenous learners accessing post-secondary education. Guided by a 'Four Pillar Philosophy,' the plan emphasizes a mentorship culture, supportive relationships, cultural health and wellness, and comprehensive outreach, coaching, and skill-building. Its strategic focus areas include building timely relationships with prospective and current students, fostering a culture of mentorship, and supporting students in developing resilience, self-advocacy, and lifelong skills. The plan aims to address gaps in access, enhance student retention, and ensure a supportive environment for Indigenous students' success.

This document outlines the Guiding Principles, Vision, and Mission for the Office of Aboriginal Education and Engagement. The vision focuses on co-creating and nurturing relationships to achieve equity for Indigenous learners. The mission is to develop, lead, and share promising practices in decolonizing educational systems, honouring Indigeneity, and celebrating shared journeys. Core guiding principles include teaching (sharing authentic selves and respecting relations), knowing (self-reflection and inner wisdom), land (acknowledging connection to land and water), sharing (trusting energy), and humour (resiliency and strength).

This Foundation Plan for Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity (SRCA) at Vancouver Island University outlines priority goals, objectives, and strategies for the 2022-2027 timeframe. The plan is structured around cultivating talent, fostering collaboration, creating knowledge and innovation, communicating SRCA outputs, and celebrating achievements and continuous improvement. It identifies seven key thematic areas of strength: health, resilience and well-being; integrated sciences, technology and environment; resilience of island, coastal and rural regions; innovation, entrepreneurship and social change; cultural, heritage and creative expression; equity, diversity and social justice; and teaching and learning. The overarching purpose is to enable and support employees and students in SRCA, transforming learning through knowledge creation, and enhancing the university's role as a regional hub for research and expertise.