To better reflect Acadia's commitment to Indigenization and reconciliation, and in recognition of the importance, scope, and diversity of work needed on campus, Acadia University announced that the Office of Indigenous Affairs and Student Advising will now be known as the Office of L'nu Affairs and Indigenization.
A familiar face at Acadia, Zabrina Whitman, is returning today (Sept 16) to Acadia to lead the Office's work with a new title: Executive Advisor, L'nu Affairs and Indigenization. Zabrina is returning after a secondment with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as its Senior Mi'kmaw Advisor supporting a provincial Indigenous justice strategy.
As Executive Advisor, Zabrina will provide strategy, vision, and leadership to advance Acadia University's strategic efforts in Indigenous affairs. She will play a pivotal role in guiding Indigenization and reconciliation efforts at Acadia, including:
- establishing consistent, open channels of communication between and among faculty, staff, and students related to all aspects of L'nu Affairs and Indigenization;
- supporting Indigenous students through culturally appropriate strategies and resources;
- strengthening Acadia's relationships with Mi'kmaq and other Indigenous communities;
- playing an essential role in advising the Senior Leadership Team of the university; and
- working closely with a variety of Indigenous organizations, governments, leaders, and Elders on Indigenous programming and educational initiatives.
Zabrina will report jointly to Ashlee Cunsolo (Provost and Vice-President, Academic) and Scott Duguay (Vice-President Student Experience) as her work will inform many aspects of campus life and Acadia's overarching decolonization efforts.
"I am delighted to be welcoming Zabrina back to Acadia in this expanded role, and to be celebrating the Office of L'nu Affairs and Indigenization," said President Jeff Hennessy. "This is an essential portfolio for the university, and we are very fortunate to have Zabrina return to Acadia to support critical work in reconciliation, Indigenization, and building strong and meaningful relationships with Indigenous Elders, leadership, communities, and governments."
"We're looking forward to working with Zabrina to strengthen and expand institution-to-Nations relationships, adjust policies and processes, support curriculum and programming, and create a more decolonized and enriching academic experience - one that is more welcoming, supportive, and culturally-strong environment for Indigenous students."
Zabrina is uniquely positioned to make a difference in this important role; she is highly respected throughout Mi'kma'ki* and through Indigenous and policy leadership spaces locally, provincially, and nationally. Zabrina has over fifteen years of experience working on Indigenization, reconciliation, Indigenous policy and community development, health and infrastructure growth, and in international policy settings.
"I'm excited to return and ensure that we meaningfully meet our commitments to reconciliation," said Zabrina. "We have the chance to be a game-changer and a leader in transforming educational experiences that better represent diverse worldviews and pedagogies."
"My first priority when I return is to take the needed time to assess where our gaps are and determine what steps are needed to make sure that words and actions align," she said. "This requires creating create safe spaces for conversation and listening."
*Acadia University is grateful for the work of the 13 Nova Scotia Band Chiefs and Councils, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq (CMM), the Tribal Council for the eight mainland bands of Nova Scotia, and Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey (MK), the collective voice for Mi'kmaq Education in Nova Scotia.
