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Annette Morgan, Nox Stikine

Executive Director, Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society

Why I joined the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation

My name is Annette Morgan, my traditional name is Nox Stikine from Gitanyow, BC.  As a matriarch, I am guided by my culture and community—that inspired me to pursue this MBA. I believe that by honouring our Indigenous laws and teachings, we can create pathways for meaningful change within the social sector, honouring a future where we thrive in a healthy environment.

Reflections on the journey  

Reflecting on my time at Gustavson, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped my understanding of reconciliation. Personally, the journey of completing my MBA has transformed me in ways I never anticipated. I’ve deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers our communities face and the imperative to address them through an Indigenous lens. This program has reinforced my belief that reconciliation is not just a concept; it is a call to action that requires us to engage with our communities and empower our people. I have emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to advocate for change with the wisdom of my ancestors guiding me.

What I learned  

Throughout this journey, I encountered many learning experiences that have had an impact on my personal and academic growth. Frank Bastien and Cheryl Mitchell’s teachings were some of many, whose commitment to Indigenous rights and social equity resonated deeply with me, inspired me to push beyond my comfort zone. Their encouragement to think critically and creatively about our challenges has equipped me with the tools to engage with complex issues and seek out innovative solutions.

As I reflect on how I have applied my new knowledge, I am excited to share that I have brought these insights back to my region. By embedding Indigenous perspectives in our projects, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable change that honors our traditions and respects our ways of knowing.

Looking ahead  

I am more determined than ever to advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples and to create spaces where our voices are amplified. My hopes following graduation are to continue building bridges between our communities and broader society, fostering understanding and collaboration. Together, we can cultivate a future that honors our teachings and embraces the potential of our shared journey toward reconciliation. 

Julie Robertson

Interim Executive Director, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres

Reflections on the program  

I am deeply honoured to be part of the first graduating cohort of the Master of Business Administration in Advancing Reconciliation at the University of Victoria’s Gustavson School of Business. This groundbreaking program—funded by the Province of British Columbia—was created to strengthen leadership across the social service sector through the lens of reconciliation.

Our graduating class includes 22 students, among them 15 Indigenous graduates and 11 representatives from the BC Friendship Centre Movement. 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.

Why this work matters  

For those of us working within the Friendship Centre Movement, the impact of this MBA cannot be overstated. With over 80 percent of Indigenous Peoples in BC living away from their traditional lands, the presence of 15 Indigenous graduates is a profound step forward. It represents a new generation of urban Indigenous leadership—ready to strengthen our communities, advocate for equity and lead transformative systems change.

Personal impact  

As an autistic, Indigenous woman, this journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. The program pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate, and it reignited my passion for learning and leadership. It has encouraged me to continue my studies and explore new opportunities for education and advocacy. As Indigenous Peoples, we must lead our own change—conduct our own research, tell our own stories and shape our futures on our own terms. That is what the BC Friendship Centres stand for, and this program has only deepened my commitment to that vision.

What’s next  

This first graduating class is just the beginning. With two additional cohorts launching in 2026, we look forward to seeing even more leaders from our communities' step into this opportunity. We hope to secure further funding for expanded training, more seats and even PhD-level education in the future. Every new graduate strengthens the movement. Every new voice adds power to our collective advocacy.

It has truly been an honour to be part of the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation. I’m proud to graduate with this incredible group of leaders and excited for all that lies ahead.

Janet Marianella Westcott (née Vanderhor)

Director of Operations Therapeutic Homes, Hollyburn Family Services

About me

I am of mixed heritage; Dutch from my father’s side and Peruvian from my mother’s side. I am the first generation of my family born in Canada. I grew up on the unceded and ancestral lands of the sẏwx̧w̧ú7mesh (Squamish) peoples. I currently live and work in North Vancouver which is the unceded and traditional territories of sẏwx̧w̧ú7mesh (Squamish), seḷíḷwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷɛ̯ɛ̯m (Musqueam) Nations. I am a daughter and only child. I am currently grieving the loss of my beloved father, to whom I dedicate my completion of this MBA – he knew I could do anything. I am a wife and a mother of two children, a daughter and a son. I have been a Child and Youth Care Practitioner for nearly 25 years. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in the MBA AR program to expand my knowledge, improve my practice and assist my organization in moving forward on their journey in Reconciliation.

Starting the program as an adult learner  

We started this program with uncertainty as adult learners returning to a master’s program. We were greeted and nurtured by the two matriarchs of the program, Debra and Valerie. They went out of their way to provide care and comfort to each of us, modeled how to take care of each other and continue to champion us.

What stood out  

In one of our first courses, we were assigned to groups. We would be in these groups throughout the program. The people in this group became a lifeline to us in the program. During my toughest time, the loss of my dad, they held me up. The learning we gained from each other’s vast experiences enriched the coursework. I am so grateful to Anna, Cliff, Joanne, Kari and our newest member Richard . I treasure our bond and look forward to continuing collaborative work in the future. 

Reflections on reconciliation  

This opportunity is unique and has had a great impact on my practice. As a non-Indigenous person, I have repeated the mantra “we don’t know what we don’t know”. There is so much that we need to learn and understand about Truth and Reconciliation, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start, to be worried that we are doing it wrong, that we will offend. There needs to be more opportunities to co-learn and share. I am forever grateful for this experience. 

Candice Henriques

CEO, arc programs

About me

My name is Candice Henriques, and my home is Kelowna, located in the Okanagan Valley, on the unceded, ancestral and still occupied territory of the Syilx people.

Why I joined the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation

My inspiration for pursuing the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation stemmed from a desire to shift systems from within. I’ve spent many years working in community-based services, witnessing how colonial frameworks continue to limit the potential for equity and authentic relationship-building.

How it’s changed me  

This journey has shifted my internal compass. I’ve become more grounded in who I am, more confident in speaking truth and naming harm. I’m more committed to showing up in relationships with humility and care. It has also taught me to slow down; to listen deeply, reflect, and honour Indigenous processes of decision-making, which often challenge dominant western leadership models. 

Looking ahead  

I’ve developed a clearer sense of how to integrate reconciliation into everyday practice—not as a checkbox or policy requirement, but as an ongoing ethical commitment. I hope to continue building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and cultivating space for new forms of leadership rooted in care, accountability and possibility.

Bev Williams

Program Director, Hiiye'yu Lelum (House of Friendship) Society

Why I joined the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation

I was inspired to pursue an MBA as it aligned with my goals and aspirations to lead in an Indigenous agency. Matriarchal leadership within Indigenous agencies and communities is an age-old way of leading. Our Matriarchs and Ancestors trained us for this.  

Personal reflections

I am an older student in my early 60’s. If I had planned better, I would have pursued an MBA in my earlier/younger years. My encouragement to younger students is to do it while you’re young and sharp. Although, I did bring elders wisdom to the program and culture.

What stood out  

I realize that I’ve become more empathetic in my work. I learned more about collaboration and design thinking and that empowers me to do my job better.  Using empathy, care and concern to hear our people better. In using matriarchal leadership as a leadership style to advance reconciliation, by using the teachings, ways of knowing, being and doing that our matriarchs and ancestors taught and led us.  

Looking ahead

I’ll continue in my role with the Friendship Centre movement and keep growing as a leader.

Karilee Campbell

Program Manager, Serenity Resources Ltd.

About me

My name is Karilee Campbell. I live and work as a guest on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan peoples. I am the daughter of the late Wayne Campbell and the granddaughter of Ruth and Doug Campbell, and Irene and Ted Rutherglen. I joined the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation as a non-Indigenous settler committed to working in a good way. My work in the social service sector, particularly alongside youth, inspired me to pursue this program. However, I didn’t fully realize just how deeply it would change me.

What stood out

From the first residency, I knew I was in a special place. The connections within my study group began with curiosity and care, and over time, they grew into unbreakable bonds. We supported one another through difficult conversations, long nights of writing and moments of deep personal reflection. My group became my grounding force, and the wider cohort continually uplifted me in ways I never expected. I was consistently humbled by the brilliance, generosity and vulnerability that each person brought. We learned from one another, challenged one another and held each other with compassion. Those relationships have been among the greatest gifts of this journey.

What I learned (and unlearned)

One of the most profound aspects of this program was the process of unlearning. I had to step away from colonial frameworks and deeply ingrained ways of knowing to make space for Indigenous teachings and truths. I carry these shifts not just in my mind, but in my spirit. The guidance of Indigenous teachers, community leaders and peers reminded me again and again that reconciliation is not a checklist. It is a lifelong commitment, rooted in relationships, reciprocity and responsibility.

How it’s changed me

This chapter in my life has left a deep imprint. It has reshaped how I see the world, how I connect with others and how I hope to walk forward. I leave this program with immense gratitude for the teachings, for the people and for the chance to be part of something truly transformative.