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by Patty Pitts
The National Chair in Aboriginal Economic Development, based in the University of Victoria’s faculties of law and business, has reached its $5 million target to establish the chair and fund its programs.
A $1-million donation from BC Hydro over four years to help launch the chair and support its ongoing research and project development wrapped up the fundraising. The chair will direct a program of research, relationship-building and education to advance aboriginal economic development in B.C. and the rest of Canada.
“Many of BC Hydro’s generation facilities and distribution lines are located in traditional territories, and we strive to preserve a foundation of mutual understanding, respect, open and honest communication with First Nations,” says BC Hydro President and CEO, Bob Elton. “We believe that this initiative will help develop the foundation for sustainable, long-term economic development in aboriginal communities.”
“UVic is very grateful to BC Hydro for supporting this important initiative, the first of its kind,” says President David Turpin. “The establishment of this chair and its program reflects our university’s continuing commitment to improving the lives of aboriginal peoples and supporting aboriginal communities.”
The chair will conduct independent and collaborative research, develop a repository of best practices, serve as a catalyst for and broker of partnerships among a range of parties, and offer students relevant learning in a supportive environment.
A symposium on issues relating to the chair and its mandate will be hosted by UVic this fall, and a national search for the chairholder will be undertaken in the coming year.
Previously announced funding of $2 million from Industry Canada and $1 million from the B.C. government will endow the chair. Earlier this year, EnCana Corporation provided $1 million to help launch the chair and its program and to support ongoing research and project development. Enbridge Inc.provided $200,000 for outreach support.
UVic is committed to increasing the number of aboriginal students graduating from all of its faculties, and to building on its unique relationships with First Nations communities.
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