UVic Office of Indigenous Academic & Community Engagement

✨Research team is seeking Indigenous youth to join this community-based research project to understand and explore how the climate crisis impacts Indigenous youth mental health and what services and supports are needed for Indigenous youth wellbeing. ✨

💬We would like to invite you to participate in a talking circle focus group (6-8 Indigenous students on a first come basis) in which you will be asked questions regarding the impacts of the climate crisis on your mental health.

FOCUS GROUP
⏰TIME: 2:00PM-4:00PM
📅DATE: Friday, August 14, 2026
📍LOCATION: UVic Graduate Student Lounge Conference Room
* Lunch will be provided

💰Each participant will receive a $100 university bookstore gift certificate.

✨To participate in this research, you must:✨
✅Self-identify as an Indigenous youth who is First Nations, Mètis or Inuit (FNMI)
✅You must be between the ages of 17 and 29

❓If you meet this requirement, have any questions, and/or are interested in participating in this study, please contact [email protected] for more details.

📸⭐️Indigenous Recognition Ceremonies - Spring 2026 Photobook⭐️📸

🔥For the first time ever, IACE brings you the Spring 2026 Indigenous Recognition Ceremony Photobook!

🎉Explore unforgettable and unleash the spirit of celebration by viewing the photobook with the link:https://www.uvic.ca/iace/_assets/docs/irc-photobook-spring-2026.pdf

📍Print copies are available in the IACE Office.

ℹ️ If you have any questions, please contact the IACE Communications Officer:
[email protected]

✨📢APPLY TODAY! There is still room to to register for LE,NOṈET Graduate Seminar (GS 500)! ✨

Are you an Indigenous graduate student looking for an Indigenous methodology and community engagement course?

👉💻Interested students must submit an application form, including a letter of introduction outlining their Indigenous ancestry, to Dr. Rob Hancock.

📌Space is limited, and priority will be given to students enrolled in a graduate program without an Indigenous cohort or significant Indigenous content in its standard curriculum.

📌Who is eligible? First Nations (status/non-status), Inuit or Métis graduate students enrolled at the University of Victoria.

📅Offered Winter Term 2027 Thursdays, 1:30pm-4:20pm.

📝To request an application form, please contact Dr. Rob Hancock by email: [email protected]

🎉Spring 2026 Indigenous Recognition Ceremonies👨‍🎓✨

Last week we gathered in the First Peoples House to honour another round of Indigenous students graduating from UVic.

On Monday night, we honoured Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, and Faculty of Science graduates.

Wednesday night featured graduates from the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and the Faculty of Humanities . On Friday night, we finished the week by celebrating graduates from the Faculty of Heath, Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Continuing Studies.

We are excited to share that last week’s ceremonies recognized 73 Indigenous graduates across three days of celebration. Graduates participated in a traditional Coast Salish blanketing ceremony, wrapping everyone with love, protection, and the strength of their communities as they step into their futures. Family, friends, loved ones, staff, faculty, cultural support workers and Elders joined together in the Ceremonial Hall to support the hard work and dedication demonstrated by everyone.

We give a special congratulations to the 4 winners of the Tsi’tsu’wu’tul Award, Yolla Willie, Colorado Sandoval, Alana Sayers and Rebecca White. The Tsi’tsu’wu’tul Award recognizes Indigenous students who have demonstrated exceptional perseverance, strength and determination while overcoming barriers and challenges throughout their educational journey at the University of Victoria.

We also congratulate Roy Henry Vickers, recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts.

Hay'sxw'qa si'em/ HÍSḴW̱E/ thanks to:
🪶Elder May Sam and John Rice for the opening prayers and blessings
🪶Terri Barnhard, Margaret Charlie and Brianna Bear for the welcomes
🪶Chancellor, Marion Buller, Vice-President Academic and Provost, Elizabeth Croft, Acting President, Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, and Vice-President Indigenous, Angela Jaime for their words of recognition
🪶SDEMOXELTEN,, Ian Sam and Ivy Seward for their roles as Speaker
🪶Christine Sam, Garry Sam and Phillip George for drumming

We are all so proud of you!💛

🌿 Looking for a way to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day?

We encourage our community to attend the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration taking place at:

📍Royal Roads University
📆Friday, June 19, 2026
⏰10am-3pm

This community gathering offers an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the rich cultures, histories, languages and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples through music, food, art, cultural activities and connection.

We are grateful for the many community partners, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, vendors and organizers who make these celebrations possible each year. 🙌

If you're able, we hope you'll join us in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Month and supporting this meaningful community event. 🌿

Join us to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day! Join us for a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration starting ...

Are you an Indigenous undergraduate student looking for an Indigenous Studies course or an elective in the Winter Term? 🔎💻

🎉Register for the LE,NOṈET Undergraduate Preparation Seminar IS 310D

📅 Fall 2026 Tuesdays1:30-4:20pm

This seminar will introduce Indigenous students to knowledge and skills necessary for working with campus-based academic researchers, or with Indigenous communities and organizations, through a Research Apprenticeship (IS 320) or Community Internship (IS 321). This course is also a prerequisite for the Indigenous International Work-Integrated Learning Exchange.

📌Indigenous research methods & community engagement
📌 Indigenous and Western research methodologies
📌 skills for working in and with communities
📌 lateral violence & cultural safety
📌 resume and cover letter writing

*space is limited, first-come first-served

Prerequisites:
• 2nd year standing
• students are recommended to have completed at least one 100- or 200-level introductory course focused on Indigenous topics (e.g., IS 101, GNDR 203, POLI 263, C*C 230) or permission of the Experiential Learning Coordinator

✍To request application, email: [email protected]

Join the VNFC on Friday, June 19th from 11am-3pm for a celebration of National Indigenous People's Day! Bring your family and friends to celebrate with us as we honour Indigenous cultures and traditions. Explore local Indigenous artisans, participate in crafts, traditional teachings and activities, enjoy food and treats, and much more! Everyone Welcome! 🌞

🥳Congratulations, Kali! 💕It has been such a gift to have you as part of our community at the First Peoples House. As a Campus Cousin, friend and familiar face, you have helped create a welcoming space where so many students felt connected and supported.

We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and grateful for the kindness, laughter and good energy you brought to our community. We know this is only the beginning of many great things to come! 🙌🥰

First Peoples House bolsters community building and creativity for Indigenous grad - UVic News Kali Jones is an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program student and a proud Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation member. She became a core member of the student community at the First Peoples House.