SFU passes key milestone to improve Indigenous staff representation

SFU is taking its next steps on its path to uphold truth and reconciliation by strengthening Indigenous staff recruitment and retention. The B.C. Human Rights Commissioner (BCHRC) recently approved SFU-s Special Program application, allowing the university to conduct a limited and preferential hiring of at least 15 Indigenous staff. This follows the BCHRC's approval this summer of another Special Program approval at SFU for hiring Black staff and tenure-track faculty. SFU-s application process for an additional targeted hiring of Indigenous faculty is underway. -We know the conversations have been ongoing, for decades, to meaningfully include Indigenous voices in decision-making around Indigenous policies, programs and initiatives at the university,- says Chris (Syeta-xtn) Lewis, SFU-s director, Indigenous initiatives and Reconciliation. "I am pleased by this outcome from the BCHRC, to help meaningfully weave Indigeneity into the fabric of SFU. The two proposed Indigenous Special Programs support recommendations from the 2017 Walk this Path With Us report created by the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council (ARC).