Advocacy

Current Initiatives & Priorities

By focusing on these areas, NIUSLA can effectively advance its goals and objectives, fostering a supportive and innovative environment for Indigenous senior leaders in universities across Canada.

People

Fostering connection through regular leadership forums, mentorship, and community engagement to amplify Indigenous voices in university governance. We advocate for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students while supporting leadership development that honours self-determination and cultural identity.

Innovation

Accelerating change through strategic resource sharing, collaborative policy development, and creative problem-solving. We harness technology to strengthen our network while developing innovative approaches that transform institutional practices to better serve Indigenous communities.

Excellence

Building capacity through targeted professional development, identification of best practices, and maintenance of high standards across all initiatives. We cultivate a culture of continuous improvement that elevates Indigenous leadership while modeling excellence in academic contexts.

Knowledge

Mobilizing Indigenous knowledge systems through collaborative exchange, research support, and resource development. We honour traditional ways of knowing while positioning NIUSLA as a thought leader that bridges Indigenous knowledge and academic practices in higher education.

Policy & Position Statements

NIUSLA develops evidence-based positions on critical issues affecting Indigenous peoples in higher education, guiding institutional transformation and policy development across Canada.

1

Indigenous citizenship substantiation policies that respect community protocols and sovereignty

2

Advancing Indigenous knowledge systems as sophisticated, complex, robust frameworks

3

Supporting ethical research practices that benefit Indigenous communities

4

Ensuring meaningful Indigenous representation in university governance and leadership

Our Partners and Supporters

First Nations University

The First Nations University of Canada provides essential administrative, academic, and institutional support to NIUSLA in the fulfillment of its mission. FNUniv is dedicated to promoting and advancing Indigenous senior leadership within post-secondary institutions across Canada.

Through an Administrative Agreement, both parties commit to working independently and collaboratively to support Indigenous leadership development, research, policy development, and resource sharing—fostering a strong and effective partnership that serves the interests of Indigenous communities nationwide.

Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation’s EleV Program is honoured to partner with First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) to support their growth, sustainability, and autonomy. Through this partnership, FNUniv is leading long-term transformation of post-secondary education based on the vision and values of Indigenous youth and communities.