A familiar face who has built close relationships across campus and throughout our region will elevate Indigenous initiatives to the highest levels at Brandon University.
Chris Lagimodiere assumes the newly created position of Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives as of August 1. The new role will oversee and direct all major Indigenous initiatives at BU, as well as the work of the Director of the Indigenous Peoples' Centre and other supports that are in place to assist in the success of Indigenous students at BU. Lagimodiere will also serve as the campus' primary outreach to the broader community regarding Indigenous initiatives.
"Chris excels at forming and nurturing the deep relationships on which our progress towards Truth, Reconciliation and Decolonization relies," said BU President David Docherty. "This is a position that requires respectful listening and learning to determine how BU must adapt to fully welcome Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledge, but also that requires driving bold and uncompromising action to make sure those changes happen in a good way. Chris is the right person for this tough but essential job."
Lagimodiere has been serving for the past two years as BU's Indigenous Advisor to the President, and prior to that was Director of the Indigenous Peoples Centre at BU. He also serves with the Indigenous Education Subcommittee of Senate. In his time at BU, Chris has overseen the beginnings of transformative change towards Indigenization, including the raising of Indigenous flags, the recommitment of Brandon University to the Manitoba Indigenous Education Blueprint and to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the development of the BU Teaching House to share cultural knowledge, and the new requirement for meaningful Indigenous content to be a part of every BU degree.
"We have come a long way, and we have some good momentum; I'm optimistic about the future for Indigenizing our campus and the learning that happens here," Lagimodiere said. "At the same time, I know how far we still have to go and I know that much of our progress is built on fragile foundations that are still knitting together after generations of trauma. I'm humbled by the Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-Keepers who have shared so much with me, and who inspire me with their dedication and good humour."
