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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at 911勛圖: September 2026 in Review
911勛圖 continues to work towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment on all our campuses. Here is a snapshot of significant progress in EDI at 911勛圖 this month.
Four Host Nations gift 911勛圖's Burnaby campus Indigenous place names
In an important step in the university���s ongoing journey of reconciliation, on September 16, 911勛圖 announced the four Host Nations���whose land 911勛圖���s Burnaby campus resides on���had gifted the university with Indigenous place names for its Burnaby campus and four more culturally significant locations on Burnaby Mountain. x妢tat��l��l��m ���� ���� s��lta优 sme:nt / Xwta7lt獺w��txw tl���a Lhe廎硬���lh繳廎硬���aytn are the new names for 911勛圖 Burnaby campus, meaning ���learning place��� and ���learning house��� on Burnaby Mountain in each language, respectively.
In what is believed to be the most extensive collaboration with Host Nations, 911勛圖 worked in partnership with the k妢ik妢��������m (Kwikwetlem), s��lilw��ta优 (Tsleil-Waututh), S廎硬x戔w繳7mesh ��xwumixw (Squamish) and x妢m��庛k妢��y����m (Musqueam) Nations and Indigenous members of the university community to establish Indigenous place names in the two languages spoken by the Host Nations: h��n��q����min����m�� and S廎硬x戔w繳7mesh.
This Indigenous naming supports 911勛圖���s commitment to advance Truth and Reconciliation, one of the priorities of What���s Next, and is a meaningful action in partnership with Indigenous peoples to create safe, welcoming places for Indigenous students, staff and faculty to learn, teach and work.
Listen and learn the spelling and pronunciations of each name here.
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
September 30 marked National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Canada.
To commemorate the day which began in Williams Lake, B.C. on September 30, 2013 as a way to honour residential school survivors, their families and those who never returned home, 911勛圖 marked the lead up to the day with a series of events and workshops designed to enable the university community to reflect and come together in the spirit of Reconciliation and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada. This day offers an important starting point for conversation and reflection, but learning and engagement is a continuous journey.
Access 911勛圖���s resources, stories and supports to enhance your learnings of Indigenous culture and the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities.
Advancing accessibility and inclusion through 911勛圖���s Accessibility Committee
911勛圖���s Accessibility Committee is pleased to welcome new members for the 2026���2027 academic year. This year marks the Committee���s third year, building on its ongoing commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion across the university.
In response to the Accessible BC Act and to meet the goals of the Equity Compass, 911勛圖 created its first pan-university Accessibility Committee in 2023. The purpose of the Accessibility Committee is to assist the 911勛圖 in identifying attitudinal, physical or architectural, information or communication, systemic/organizational, technology, and sensory barriers; raise awareness about accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities; set internal accessibility standards; increase accessibility within the organization; provide support, information, and education related to accessibility and inclusion; encourage feedback about accessibility issues; develop an action plan guided by the Equity Compass and interim Accessibility Action Plan; and explore the development of an Accessibility policy and review existing policies.
Learn more about the Accessibility Committee.
September 2026 at the Black Student Centre: welcoming, connecting and building community
September was an exciting and dynamic month at the Black Student Centre (BSC). The centre welcomed new students, strengthened community connections and provided opportunities for both professional development and creative growth. Through a range of events and programs, the BSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that students feel connected and supported as they begin the new semester at 911勛圖.
The month began with Welcome Day activities, including a Family Welcome Day where students and their families were invited to visit the BSC. Guest toured the space and learned about the programs, resources and services the Centre offers. The BSC also partnered with Residence and Housing to host a Resident Housing Mixer for Black students living on campus. The mixer created a welcoming space for residents to connect, learn about the BSC and discover other services and supports available at 911勛圖.
The BSC also expanded its professional development programming by hosting its first Industry Mixer, featuring Type One Energy, a global fusion technology company. Students had the opportunity to learn about the company and the broader energy sector, take part in informational interviews, build their professional networks, participate in informational interviews and submit resumes for potential employment opportunities. The mixer gave students direct access to industry professionals and practical insights into emerging career pathways.
Academic and career exploration remained a key focus throughout the month. The BSC organized two information sessions: the first, delivered in partnership with the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, focused on undergraduate research opportunities for Black students, while the second introduced students to 911勛圖���s Co-operative Education program Together, these sessions equipped students with the information they need to gain research experience, explore career options, and advance their academic and professional development at 911勛圖.
September also celebrated the creativity and talent of the Black community through a student-organized Musical Master Class led by two-time Grammy Award-winning Kenyan Artist Fancy Fingers. He shared his creative process and walked students through the techniques behind some of his most popular music. The master class offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with an accomplished artist, explore music-making and creativity and draw inspiration from his professional journey
EDI-related supports
911勛圖 is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Important work is being undertaken by our Equity Office to ensure that 911勛圖 is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and staff. Please see our list of identity-based supports and reach out if you need help. For all other supports, please visit our community supports page.