Dr. Deborah Saucier (centre) was officially installed as VIU's second President and Vice-Chancellor at a ceremony at Snuneymuxw First Nation (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

NEW ERA

New VIU president pledges to reconciliation, inclusivity efforts

Nov 15, 2019 | 6:11 AM

NANAIMO — Vancouver Island University has entered a new era with the appointment of a new President and Vice-Chancellor.

Dr. Deborah Saucier was officially installed during a ceremony held by Snuneymuxw First Nation on Friday Nov. 15, replacing Dr. Ralph Nilson who held the role since 2007.

University representatives told NanaimoNewsNOW they believe Saucier is the first university President to be confirmed in such a fashion.

Saucier spoke passionately during a nearly 15 minute speech about her Métis roots and her goals of addressing reconciliation through VIU’s actions.

“The hard work of reconciliation should not rely on Indigenous peoples doing all the heavy lifting. Leveraging the privilege of a university like VIU is critical to making Canada the country we want it to be.”

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She is the second president in the University’s history after starting a five-year term in July 2019. Prior to her appointment at VIU, Saucier served a similar role at MacEwan University in Edmonton.

Saucier also spoke at length about making VIU more inclusive for all.

“I’m struck by the common belief that good universities are those who are exclusive,” Saucier said. “What if we turn it on its head and thought instead that excellent universities were those who invited everyone in.”

Approximately 250 people attended the ceremony, held at the Snuneymuxw First Nation Longhouse.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley