Indigenous University Leadership Network
Connecting senior Indigenous university leaders across Canada to share knowledge, amplify collective impact, and transform post-secondary education through authentic Indigenous leadership and vision.
National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA)
The National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) exists to unite Indigenous senior university leaders from across Canada, supporting the advancement of Indigenous priorities and leadership within higher education.
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About NIUSLA
NIUSLA is the national network for Indigenous senior leaders within Canadian universities
NIUSLA unites Indigenous senior leaders from academic institutions to network, collaborate, and discuss leadership roles.
- Participate and contribute to the Canadian post-secondary policy landscape on Indigenous priorities
- Network and engage in constructive dialogue and actions to advance issues and concerns of Indigenous peoples
- Share experiences, resources, information and processes that support Indigenous leadership
- Honour Indigenous knowledges systems
Advocacy
Championing Indigenous Priorities in Higher Education
Policy Leadership
Shaping post-secondary policy frameworks that respect Indigenous sovereignty and advance reconciliation through collective advocacy and strategic engagement with government and institutional partners.
Indigenous Citizenship
Leading crucial national conversations about Indigenous identity substantiation processes that honour community protocols while addressing concerns about false claims in academic contexts.
Knowledge Systems
Support the integration of Indigenous Knowledges and Ways of Knowing within all academic structures, ensuring they are informed by local Indigenous cultures and traditions.
Institutional Transformation
Support the inclusion of Indigenous students, faculty, and staff in universities through systemic changes to governance structures, policies, and strategies that incorporate Indigenous expertise, knowledge, and cultures.
Resources
Indigenous Knowledges & Resources
Research & Reports
Access groundbreaking research on Indigenous identity, leadership, and post-secondary transformation. Our reports capture Indigenous voices and provide evidence-based recommendations for institutional change.
Publications
Explore resources that strengthen Indigenous leadership practices, inform policy development, and advance Indigenous knowledge systems within academic contexts.
Partner Organizations
Connect with our network of Indigenous organizations, educational institutions, and agencies working collaboratively to advance Indigenous priorities in higher education.
Events
Gatherings for Indigenous Leadership & Transformation
NIUSLA SUMMIT 2025
Learn more about the NIUSLA Summit 2025 and register online by visiting the link below.
2nd National Indigenous Citizenship Forum
Presentations, panels, and conversation circles with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, staff, students, and academics from across Canada.
National Indigenous Identity Forum 2022
The two-day Forum is an Indigenous-only safe space that is urgently needed for Indigenous university campus members to gather for constructive and respectful dialogue.
Connect With NIUSLA
Join our community of Indigenous leaders transforming higher education across Canada. Contact us to learn more about membership, partnerships, or upcoming initiatives.