The University of Victoria Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) marks the graduation of 22 students on June 12 in the first class of a master's in business administration in advancing reconciliation (MBA in Advancing Reconciliation, or MBA AR). A graduation and the recognition ceremony that followed honours the hard work and commitment to reconciliation shown by students throughout the two-year degree, which combines core business management education with specialized coursework in decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation.
Students from the inaugural MBA in Advancing Reconciliation cohort take a moment together at the June 12 recognition ceremony at UVic.
"Our graduating class includes 22 students, among them 15 Indigenous graduates and 11 representatives from the BC Friendship Centre Movement," says Julie Robertson, interim executive director at BCAAFC and a graduating student of the MBA AR.
Together, we have built a powerful network of leaders committed to advancing change and lifting the entire social service sector. This program has equipped us with the tools and perspectives to lead with purpose and accountability centering Indigenous values, community needs and long-term sustainability."
Julie Robertson, interim executive director at BCAAFC and a graduating student of the MBA AR
The MBA was announced in 2022, unveiled as part of an $8.4-million funding announcement by the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. The program aligns with UVic's commitment and actions on truth, respect and reconciliation, and developing new pathways for Indigenous students to higher education.
As part of this celebration, Gustavson and BCAAFC are pleased to announce their ongoing collaboration as they offer two additional cohorts of the MBA AR.
Advancing reconciliation is sacred and often difficult work. It calls for deep commitment from all of us, walking together with humility and purpose."
François Bastien, associate dean, Indigenous at the Gustavson School of Business, and academic director of the MBA AR
"Journeying alongside the students, our partner BCAAFC, and the instructors has been a deeply rewarding experience one rooted in relationships, learning and the shared hope of a more just future," says Bastien. "I'm humbled by the opportunity to continue this journey together to help shape a path in education that is co-created, shared and evolving, rather than static or owned."
Designed for experienced Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders in the social services non-profit sector, the MBA AR equips students with management tools, strategic frameworks and the capacity to centre Indigenous knowledges in organizational practice.
Graduates of the MBA AR are continuing their careers in the social services sector, using the program to strengthen their leadership and bring systems-level change to their organizations and communities. Each student completed a Capstone Project rooted in their day-to-day work, designed to be directly applied within their fields.
"This program is a reflection of what's possible when universities and Indigenous organizations come together in the spirit of true partnership," says Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Robina Thomas, vice-president Indigenous at UVic.
The MBA in Advancing Reconciliation supports the strength and leadership already deeply rooted in our communities. It's not just about education it's about building capacity within Indigenous social service organizations, strengthening networks of care, and investing in Indigenous-led solutions. This is one of the many ways we are living the teachings outlined in Xʷkʷənəŋistəl | W̱ȻENE ISTEL Helping to move each other forward, UVic's Indigenous Plan, which calls on us to center Indigenous voices, expand relationships and transform systems. I'm so proud to see this work taking shape in such a powerful and collaborative way."
Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Robina Thomas, vice-president Indigenous at UVic
The MBA AR is anchored in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to transform Canadian society "so that future generations can live together in dignity, peace, and shared prosperity."
Read the full story about the inaugural MBA in Advancing Reconciliation cohort.
Learn more about the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation and upcoming program offerings.
About the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
BCAAFC promotes the betterment of 25 Friendship Centres across B.C., maintains communication between Friendship Centres, other provincial associations and the National Association of Friendship Centres, and supports the development of programs to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people living in B.C.
About the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business
The Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria is dedicated to providing a non-traditional business education and a dynamic learning environment that develops principled leaders who can drive sustainable innovation and social change. Gustavson is among the one percent of the world's business schools that hold both AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) accreditation.
