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ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL

Respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things

ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL | Respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things reinforces UVic’s commitment to implement core local, national and international responsibilities and calls to action that support the rights and sovereignties of Indigenous Peoples—for example, , , the and the . 

ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL moves beyond individual and collective rights and focuses on our relationships with one another, with the land and waters, and with all living beings—working with respect for the rights of each other, showing respect for one another and being in right relationship with all things. 

We are centring the languages and teachings of the local Nations and calling on all members of the UVic community to learn about, understand and respect their relationship with the laws, protocols and peoples of these lands and waters. By respecting the local Nations and honouring the teachings we each carry with us, we will centre Indigenous ways of knowing and being in teaching, learning, researching, services and wellness.

Goals

Sharing

Sharing the work of creating an environment that supports Indigenous students, staff and faculty with the entire university community—supported by accountable practices and policies in all areas of our teaching, research and operations. 

Ensuring

Ensuring the sustainability of all new and existing Indigenous programs and services. 

Honouring

Honouring the aspirations, laws, languages and sovereignties of local Nations through continued partnerships and relationship-building. 

Taking responsibility

Taking responsibility for ensuring institutional structures and systems are accountable to the spirit of ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL and informed by Čəléŋən | ĆELĀNEN | Our birthright and teachings. 

Priorities in action

ʔetalnəəl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL 

We are working to centre Indigenous ways of knowing and being in all that we do.

Sample initiatives

  • establish an Indigenous Research Advisory Committee to guide the implementation of new supports for Indigenous scholars (Aspiration 2030: UVic Research and Creative Works Strategy, Commitment to Indigenous scholarship) 
  • increase Indigenous senior leadership in decision-making across the university, including designated seats for Indigenous representatives on governance bodies (Indigenous Plan, 4.4.2)
  • foster awareness of Indigenous languages and connections to campus lands and waters with new lək̓ʷəŋən place names and interpretive signage (Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, Strategy 1.2)

Learn more about how to...