On behalf of the University of British Columbia, I want to extend my condolences to the family of Colten Boushie. I also acknowledge that the events surrounding the trial and verdict have caused considerable distress for many Indigenous people, including our faculty, staff and students, and many others.
At the University of British Columbia, we recognize that many of the systems we have inherited from the past have perpetuated inequity and harm for Indigenous people, and we have been working to change them. We are currently in the final stages of developing a new university strategic plan that will continue the work underway to address the concerns of, and create new opportunities for Indigenous communities and peoples. We remain committed to advancing, throughout the university and beyond, the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
Professor Santa J. Ono
President and Vice-Chancellor