Calling Upon UBC's Board of Governors to Issue Statement: Justice for Colton Bushie

Update: February 18, 2018.

UBC's Board of Governors voted to endorse and support President Ono's statement at the start of the Thursday, February 15th Board meeting.


Update: Feb. 13, 2018. 6:36pm.

UBC's President, Dr. Santa Ono issues a statement on behalf of UBCs community.

Thank you for your leadership Dr. Ono!

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Dear Stuart,

In the wake of the call by hundred of Indigenous faculty members and allies across the country for our Universities to reaffirm their support of implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action I would ask the indulgence of the chair to entertain a motion to make a public statement of support for the family of Colton Bushie and to publicly reaffirm our commitment to implementing the TRC call to action. See here: statement.  

As arguably the leading post secondary institution in BC, if not Canada, I would suggest we have a moral obligation to take a leadership role in this matter.  I have taken the liberty to draft a statement, but I leave it to your good offices to find the wording that is most comfortable to you and fitting to our university, but offer the following for your consideration.

Proposed wording of statement to endorse.

The University of British Columbia extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Colten Boushie. In this moment of collective national self-reflection on the implications of Canada’s settler heritage, The University of British Columbia recognizes our need to support of Indigenous students, faculty, and staff.

We reaffirm our commitment to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and by so doing commit to: supporting Indigenous peoples during and beyond this time of deep pain, grief, and rage; taking actions to enhance institutional accountability towards Indigenous peoples and communities, and; supporting anti-oppressive education.

With warm regards,

Charles Menzies