Indigenization, Truth and Reconciliation
Students, faculty and staff from the School of Engineering gathered on Sept. 30, 2025 to paint the E orange in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Acknowledgement
The School of Engineering’s commitment to reconciliation begins with acknowledgement of the traditional territories of the syilx Okanagan peoples, upon which the UBC Okanagan campus is located.
About the Indigenous Initiatives Committee
The Indigenous Initiatives Committee (IIC) was formed in 2014 primarily to attract and retain Indigenous students in the School of Engineering. Since then, it has expanded its scope of activities to support implementation of the School’s Indigenous Engagement Plan and to advise School leadership.
Membership
Chair: Jannik Haruo Eikenaar
Vice-chair: Mohammad Tiznobaik
Members: Ian Foulds, Sumi Siddiqua, Lukas Bichler, Nicolas Peleato, Chris Collier
Initiatives
- Support staff and faculty learning by hosting guest speakers, sharing resources and facilitating workshops (e.g., land acknowledgement)
- Support commemoration and learning on September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (“Orange Shirt Day”), including by painting the ‘E’ orange
- Support curricular project: undergraduate students learn how and why to engage with Indigenous communities
- Work with Indigenous Programs & Services to support Indigenous students in the SoE
Recent News and Spotlights
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