The University of Victoria’s National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development is proud to welcome Kareem Allam to its advisory board. Kareem Allam is a Partner at Fairview Strategy, a Vancouver based public affairs firm. Kareem has over two decades of public and private sector experience and has developed keen expertise in the urban and rural economies of Western Canada and the critical role Indigenous sovereignty and investment has played in shaping economic growth.
News and events
Reconciling Ways of Knowing joins the Victoria Forum on November 12, 2020.
The Virtual Victoria Forum, to be held on November 12, 13 & 19, 2020 focuses on bridging divides in the wake of a global pandemic. Evidence-based conversations will stimulate creative thinking to develop innovative ideas and actionable solutions to contemporary and urgent environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Read more: Reconciling Ways of Knowing joins the Victoria Forum on November 12, 2020.
Arthur Mercer, past CEO, Nisga’a Commercial Group, joins NCIED
Arthur, Simoogit Galga, is a hereditary Chief, and past CEO, Nisga’a Commercial Group, and economic development coordinator for the Nisga’a Lisim’s Government. His broad experience over three decades includes building strategic economic development partnerships that increase business accessibility and capacity building.
Read more: Arthur Mercer, past CEO, Nisga’a Commercial Group, joins NCIED
Peter Lantin, past president Haida Nation, advises NCIED
In the summer of 2019, Peter Lantin, past president of the Haida Nation, moved to Victoria. Fortunately, for NCIED, Lantin and Dr. Brent Mainprize, had worked together for many years. While Lantin was president, they co-developed Haida Owned and Operated, an entrepreneurial program tailored for Haida residents to become self-reliant through business ownership. It was an honour that Lantin was willing to share his expertise on Indigenous governance and business, not only with NCIED, but also with the students, faculty and staff of the Gustavson School of Business.
Read more: Peter Lantin, past president Haida Nation, advises NCIED
BCAAFC Management Training Academy (MTA)
BCAAFC, NCIED and Gustavson School of Business, in partnership with the Ministry of Advanced Education, secured funding for a BCAAFC Management Training Academy (MTA). From September 2019 to February 2020, participants selected from Friendship Centres in BC completed the MTA to further their training, experience and management skill set to aid in the succession planning for Friendship Centres.
Indigenous-ACE program rebrands
The Indigenous-ACE programs provide culturally sensitive and community-tailored entrepreneurial and business education to ensure the full participation of Indigenous people in the Canadian economy.
Reconciling Ways of Knowing Forum
Reconciling Ways of Knowing: Indigenous Knowledge and Science Forum, scheduled for May 25-27, 2020 at the Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation and Winnipeg, Manitoba, moved online due to COVID-19. The Forum, convened by Miles Richardson, O.C.; Dr. David Suzuki; Dr. Nancy Turner; and Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Jr. (the convenors), in partnership with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and David Suzuki Foundation, was created to build understanding and relationships across Indigenous and scientific ways of knowing.
Orange Shirt Day 2020
Orange Shirt day is an annual opportunity to come together in the spirit of hope and reconciliation for generations of children to come, and to honour the survivors whose families and communities have been impacted by the residential school system.

On display from April 16 – July 26, 2025 at Legacy Art Gallery Downtown.
Open Wed-Sat | 10 am - 4 pm.

Phillip T. Young Recital Hall(MAC B125)
1:00 pm-
Welcome and introductions
Dr. Heather Igloliorte
1:10 - 2:20 pm
Sovereignty and the Arts(public panel)
Mique'l Dangeli (panel convener) in conversation with Healoha Johnston, Nivi Christensen, Maria Utsi and Josh Tengan
2:30 - 3:40 pm
Institutional Practices, Resistance and Transformation(public panel)
Michelle LaVallee (panel convener) in conversation with Hokulani Aikau, Damara Jacobs-Petersen, Karl Chitham, and Jordan Wilson
3:50 - 5:00 pm
These Lands and Waters:(public panel)
Léuli EshrÄghi (panel convener) in conversation with Tania Willard, Sonya Kelliher Combs, Taqralik Partridge, Krista Ulujuk Zawadski, and Zena Cumpston
5:00 pm - Walk to
UVic Visual Arts Building
5:00 - 7:00 pm
UVic Visual Arts BuildingEvening reception for CERC group and public featuring
multiple events in the Visual Arts Building: exhibitions, installations, interactive art; DJ, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar
5:30 pm
Opening remarksat the UVic Visual Arts Building



On display from April 16 – July 26, 2025 at Legacy Art Gallery Downtown.
Open Wed-Sat | 10 am - 4 pm.

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