UVic anthropologist, writer join Canada’s academic elite

Dr. Michael Asch (anthropology) and Dr. Bill Valgardson (writing) are UVic’s newest fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, considered one of Canada's most prestigious academic accolades. They’re among 64 new fellows announced this year by the society.

The citation for Asch describes him as “Canadian anthropology’s leading spokesperson for the pivotal role of cultural analysis in resolving economic and political relations between First Nations and Canada." He's currently involved in a three-year project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council that is investigating how the concept of culture is used in relations with First Nations.

"The role played by culture and particularly cultural difference in the resolution of these relationships is central to the parties. Yet, they use the terms as though they were settled ideas rather than contested concepts,”explains Asch. “This has led to misunderstandings and confusion between the parties.”

Asch is attempting to unravel the uses of “culture” and “cultural difference” in these discussions by relating them to trends in the understanding and use of these concepts in the field of anthropology.

After a long and productive career at the University of Alberta, Asch relocated to Victoria. He’s been associated with UVic’s department of anthropology and the indigenous governance program since 1998, first as a visiting professor and now as a limited term professor.

Valgardson is a well-known and much-celebrated author of numerous novels, short stories, plays and children’s books. His works have been translated into many languages, including Icelandic, Swedish, German, Russian and Ukrainian. He's been teaching at UVic since 1974.

In the words of the Royal Society citation, Valgardson's works “explore the dramas, comedies, and dilemmas common to humanity, providing wise and compassionate insights into the lives of individuals and communities.”

“The fine arts enrich all our lives,”says Valgardson. “It is a particular pleasure to be elected to the Royal Society not just for myself but also for the recognition it gives to the contribution of the creative arts to Canada.”

Asch and Valgardson will be inducted into the society in a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Nov. 22. Their election brings to 36 the number of current and former UVic faculty members chosen as Royal Society fellows.

That number will rise to 37 in September when another newly elected fellow arrives at UVic. Dr. Thomas Pedersen will join the school of earth and ocean sciences as its director. Pedersen, currently at UBC, is a leading ocean scientist who is internationally recognized for his research into past changes in the state of Earth's oceans and climate. He's also widely known for the most definitive studies of the fate of mine wastes discharged into lakes and oceans.