Indigenous Reconciliation
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.
Principal’s Research Chair indigenous RECONCILIATION
Electrical Engineering Associate Professor Ian Foulds is UBC Okanagan’s Principal’s Research Chair in Indigenous Reconciliation in Engineering. In that role, he focuses on two main areas:
(i) developing frameworks for engagement and consultation with
Indigenous communities to build positive and effective relationships
in engineering contexts, and
(ii) investigating and testing dissemination approaches to improve
training of both engineering students and practicing engineers.
The intended impact of his work is:
Leading national and provincial efforts in the reconciliation of engineering study and practice
• Harmonizing with reconciliation work in other decolonizing nations (e.g., Australia, New Zealand)
• Enhancing the School’s and UBCO’s visibility and profile as sites of reconciliation
• Enhancing a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the School and the Faculty of Applied Science
indigenous caucus
The School of Engineering works closely with Dr. Foulds and members of the School of Engineering Indigenous Caucus to develop internal and external reconciliation initiatives.
Michael Benoit
Assistant Professor, Manufacturing Engineering
Christopher Collier
Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering
Ian Foulds
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering & Principal’s Research Chair in Indigenous Reconciliation in Engineering
Lisa Tobber
Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering & Principal’s Research Chair in Women in Engineering
indigenous programs & services
The School of Engineering works closely with UBC Okanagan’s Indigenous Programs & Services (IPS) to support Indigenous students. For more information about IPS, including student resources and opportunities, please visit https://students.ok.ubc.ca/indigenous-students/
Student & Alumni profiles
Courtney Bethune brought along her love for physics and chemistry when she arrived at UBC Okanagan.
Initiatives / NEWS
Bringing Indigenous perspectives and best practices into the classroom
Recognizing the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Open Letter from Indigenous Caucus – Time for Change
Open Letter from Indigenous Caucus – Recent history
Open Letter from Indigenous Caucus – Understanding the Indigenous perspective