Indigenous

Statement regarding honorary degree granted to John Fergus O’Grady

Based on its deliberations and consultations, the sub-committee recommends that the Senate rescind its approval of the Honorary Degree awarded to the late John Fergus O’Grady.

May 24, 2022

Elephant Hill wildfire. Photo credit: Paul Simakoff-Ellims

Review of Elephant Hill fire calls for Indigenous leadership in wildfire management and recovery

Four years after the Elephant Hill megafire burned more than 190,000 hectares and destroyed over 100 homes in B.C.’s south-central Interior region, a new Indigenous-led report is recommending fundamental changes to the way wildfire management and post-fire recovery is conducted in B.C.

Dec 6, 2021

UBC’s Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot appointed United Nations representative on rights of Indigenous Peoples

Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot has been named the North American member on the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The announcement marks the first time an Indigenous woman from Canada has been appointed to the prestigious position.

Mar 24, 2021

COVID-19 survey highlights growing suicide and mental health risks across various groups

COVID-19 has significantly increased the suicide risk for Canadians with preexisting mental health challenges and experiences of marginalization, reveals a new survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in partnership with researchers at the University of British Columbia.

Jun 25, 2020

At the Qatuwas Festival, the international gathering of Indigenous nations of the Pacific Rim. The rear view of a Haida button blanket. July 1, 1993. Credit John Isaac, United Nations/Flickr

UBC experts on Indigenous rights, housing

The B.C. government is introducing legislation Thursday to recognize and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the province. Meanwhile, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will release its annual Housing Market Outlook.

Oct 24, 2019

The ringed plover and red salamander are two species that have more than 50 per cent of their distribution in Canada fall within Indigenous-managed lands.

Biodiversity highest on Indigenous-managed lands

More than one million plant and animal species worldwide are facing extinction, according to a recent United Nations report. Now, a new UBC-led study suggests that Indigenous-managed lands may play a critical role in helping species survive.

Jul 31, 2019

A young caribou near Peace River, B.C. Credit: Jean-Guy Dallaire/Flickr

B.C. needs a dedicated species at risk law—one that focuses on recovery

Not only is B.C. home to the most species at risk in Canada, it also lacks dedicated species at risk legislation. On May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity, UBC researchers Sarah Otto and Cole Burton discuss British Columbia’s efforts to develop comprehensive species at risk legislation.

May 22, 2019

The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre to open with statement of apology from UBC

UBC President Santa J. Ono will deliver a statement of apology for the university’s involvement in the system that supported the operation of residential schools, at the official opening of the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre.

Apr 6, 2018

Better policies could net more fish for Indigenous and coastal communities

Indigenous and coastal communities in Canada are increasingly finding that the ocean and marine resources are off limits, new research suggests.

Nov 30, 2017

A trailblazer in Aboriginal education

Jo-ann Archibald, a member of the Sto:lo Nation, has helped transform Indigenous education in Canada. This spring, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) recognized Archibald’s contributions.

May 30, 2013