University of Victoria Appoints New Indigenous Leadership Team

The University of Victoria (UVic) has introduced a significant shift in academic leadership by appointing three new associate deans Indigenous within its faculties of Law, Fine Arts, and the Gustavson School of Business. This initiative marks a pivotal advancement in UVic’s Indigenous Plan, known as Xwkwənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENEṈISTEL | Helping to move each other forward, emphasizing a commitment to respecting Indigenous rights and fostering equitable relationships.

The new associate deans are tasked with embedding Indigenous perspectives into faculty structures, curriculums, research, and decision-making processes. According to Paul Whitinui, special advisor to the vice-president Indigenous, these appointments respond to calls from the community and within the university for dedicated Indigenous leadership. This leadership aims to support curriculum reform, enhance hiring and evaluation processes, mentor Indigenous students, and facilitate meaningful engagement with local Indigenous Nations.

Whitinui noted, “These new positions bring connection to community, leadership strength, and a wealth of Indigenous knowledge.” This underscores a collective responsibility to ensure an environment where Indigenous students, faculty, and staff can thrive and feel recognized.

New Leadership Roles Created in Line with Indigenous Initiatives

The establishment of these associate deans Indigenous positions is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost and the Office of the Vice-President Indigenous. This initiative aligns with UVic’s 2022–2025 Collective Agreement, which acknowledged the necessity for Indigenous-led leadership and the creation of more equitable systems across the university. The first associate dean Indigenous position was filled by Devi Mucina in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, setting a precedent for these transformative roles.

Whitinui emphasized that these positions are not merely symbolic but reflect a genuine shift toward Indigenous governance and knowledge-sharing that is shaping the future of post-secondary education in Canada.

Meet UVic’s New Associate Deans Indigenous

**François Bastien, ADI, Gustavson School of Business**
Since joining UVic in 2020, François Bastien, a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, has garnered five years of leadership experience. In his new role, he aims to strengthen Indigenous leadership within the business faculty by supporting curriculum reforms, enhancing hiring practices, and engaging with local Indigenous communities.

**Danielle Geller, ADI, Fine Arts**
As a Navajo writer and professor in the Department of Writing, Danielle Geller is committed to fostering conversations around reconciliation and representation in the arts. Her approach is centered on listening and collaboration, aiming to create pathways that honor Indigenous ways of knowing and being while supporting Indigenous students and faculty.

**Sarah Morales, ADI, Faculty of Law**
Sarah Morales (Su-taxwiye), the first-ever associate dean Indigenous at UVic’s Faculty of Law, is a member of the Cowichan Tribes. Her research focuses on Indigenous legal traditions, particularly those of the Coast Salish peoples. Morales’ work is dedicated to strengthening Indigenous governance and recognizing inherent rights and jurisdiction.

**Devi Dee Mucina, ADI, Graduate Studies**
An Indigenous Ubuntu from the Ngoni and Shona peoples of southern Africa, Devi Dee Mucina brings extensive knowledge in community-based research and social justice. He holds a PhD in Sociology and Equity Studies from the University of Toronto and is committed to equity within the academic environment.

The appointments of these individuals signify a monumental step towards integrating Indigenous leadership within the academic framework at UVic, aiming to create a more inclusive and respectful educational environment.