University of the Fraser Valley
PA-5: Diversity and Equity Coordination

The Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor created the Presidents Task Force of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in 2019. One of its first goals was to develop an EDI Action Plan informed by research on the current state of EDI at UFV and effective EDI practices.

There are several training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff at UFV, as it pertains topics such as antiracism, diversity, inclusion etc. Some programs include:

Allies Program:
Allies Program: Indigenous faculty and staff would like trained and recognized allies to share some of the burden of their work. The Special Advisor to the President, the Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs, and the Director of the Peace and Reconciliation Centre have begun working with Chris Silver and Brenda Morgan of the Matsqui community to design a program for the training of committed allies. They intend to put out a call to Indigenous faculty and staff for nominations of potential allies around the end of August. The nominees would be enrolled in the program over the 2021-22 academic year.

Indigenous Tools for Living:
In fall 2020, UFV brought in a training program for Indigenous employees. The Indigenous Tools for Living Program brought 12 Indigenous employees together in an Indigenous-designed integrative therapy workshop. A variety of Indigenous treatment modalities were woven throughout, including experiential exercises, storytelling, ceremonial processes, and land-based healing techniques. Together these provided concrete tools and approaches for working with complex trauma in ways that avoid burnout and triggering, while at the same time maximizing impact and achieving better outcomes. Besides improving individual wellness and work performance and satisfaction, the program was meant to increase the sense of community among Indigenous employees while lessening tensions among them that can be created by the triggering of trauma.