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We don’t treat community collaboration as an add-on—it’s the foundation of our research and teaching. Our approach emphasizes community-led, reciprocal and applied work, rather than purely academic research.

We work with partners to advance shared goals of Indigenous resurgence, self-governance and nationhood to support the health and well-being of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples.

Learn about the ������Ƶ’s commitment to the teaching of Nəc̓ əmaat kʷəns čeʔi | ĆȺNEUEL OL | Work together, one of 4 goals and priorities that guide ������Ƶ’s Indigenous Plan.

Community-based learning

Our students learn through ceremony, community work and lived experience—not just theory.

PhD student Cheryl Recollet participated in building a teaching lodge with Anishinaabe community members.  

For Recollet, a member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation in Northern Ontario, the lodge was more than a structure. It was a space to discuss, enact and embody governance.

“This was an exercise in Anishinaabe governance,” she says. “We kept it as a teaching lodge and made that space open and accessible, and a comfortable place for people to learn, as a visual reminder of what Anishinaabe governance looks like.”

Read about Cheryl’s experience .

Coming to ������Ƶ, being able to be exposed to the vast amount of resources and to dive through those materials is amazing. I’m very grateful for IGOV. I don’t think there would be another place I could do the research I’m doing as meaningfully and fruitfully as I am.”

—Cheryl Recollet

Partner with us

The School of Indigenous Governance welcomes opportunities to connect with community partners. Please contact igov@uvic.ca for more information.