UBCO appoints first senior advisor for Indigenous affairs

UBCO has appointed its first senior advisor on Indigenous affairs.

Ian Cull, a member of the Dokis First Nation of Ontario, said he is looking forward to building on the university’s relationship with the Okanagan Nation.

He previously worked as the associate vice-president for students.

“Our campus has the unique distinction of being founded in partnership with local Indigenous peoples—the Syilx Okanagan Nation,” said Deborah Buszard, deputy vice-chancellor and principal of UBC Okanagan.

“Ian will play a pivotal role in building consistent, open channels of communication between the university and Indigenous communities.”

The creation of the role was agreed in September last year, when the university signed a declaration in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action.

Cull said: “I’m proud of the work we’ve already done but my job now is to make sure our campus meets the obligations and responsibilities we have created for Indigenous communities, students, faculty and staff.”

He added: “I am blessed to have a good relationship with the Okanagan Nation Alliance and other partners and I will continue to meet with Indigenous leaders across the region to ask for their input and support.

“Strengthening the partnerships that founded this campus and advocating for the Indigenous communities that contribute so vitally to the UBCO identity is what will make this campus a leader of Indigenous excellence in education for years to come.”