The University of Northern B.C. has created a new position focused on the institution's aboriginal relations.
Rheanna Robinson will act as senior advisor to president Daniel Weeks on the issue.
"I see my role in an advisory capacity where I will be working alongside him through the different collaborations we undertake as an institution with aboriginal people and communities in the UNBC region," said the Mtis scholar and UNBC graduate.
Robinson, who has a master's degree in First Nations studies and is completing her PhD, has been teaching at the university since 2006 and working in the research office since 2008.
She sees the role as an evolving position, and one that centres on a number of thematic areas.
"Some of those areas include developing protocol and policies that are related to aboriginal people, services, programs, initiatives at UNBC and working with our senate committee on First Nations and aboriginal people and reinforcing its integral position as an internal governance body," said Robinson, who is originally from Smithers and will become a First Nations Studies assistant professor in January 2016.
Robinson referred to Weeks' presentation at the June 25th anniversary celebrations, where he referenced the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation commission.
"There's some really strong tenets that are very much related to education. There's a strong premise that an institution may have a role in supporting some of those recommendations and really facilitating a dialogue that's engaging the internal and external community."
For Weeks' part, he said the position signals "the importance I place on aboriginal discussions happening at UNBC and in the communities we serve.
"The conversation around aboriginal issues has shifted dramatically in this country over the past several weeks, and UNBC strives to facilitate and engage in those discussions," said Weeks in a press release about Robinson's appointment.
The key is community input, Robinson said, to "really represent the diverse knowledges that exist with the diverse nations" in this region.
"It's important that this is undertaken in a way that is collaborative and engaging in a way that's meaningful and ultimately really very reciprocal."
Robinson said UNBC has started that work and has several memorandums of understanding with local First Nations and a lot of her work will build on "revitalizing" existing initiatives at the university.
Community consultations have led to the creation of courses, for example. Other aboriginal services include engaging elders or including experiential course offerings.
"I think this position really signifies the importance the institution is placing on ensuring these initiatives are moving forward in a good way," she said.
