Aanii, Boozhoo, Koolamalsi, Shekoli, Shekon, Tansi

The Department of Indigenous Initiatives

The Associate Vice President of Indigenous Initiatives is responsible for amplifying Indigenous voices, advancing Indigenous scholarship, and promoting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledges and languages within all aspects of university life. Our commitments include creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, supporting Indigenous students, staff, and faculty, raising awareness of Indigenous presence, acknowledging and responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and cultivating respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples both on and off campus.

Indigenous Initiatives Team

Associate Vice President Indigenous Initiatives

Susan D. Dion

Susan D. Dion is a Lenape-Potawatomi scholar with mixed Irish and Quebecois ancestry who has been working in the field of education for more than thirty years. Associate Vice President Indigenous Initiatives and Professor in the Faculty of Education at York University her research focuses on Lenape Language, History and Culture, Indigenizing, Decolonizing and Realizing Indigenous Education, Urban Indigenous Education, and Indigenous Student Wellbeing. Dion is widely consulted by diverse community groups, workplaces, and institutions on developing methods for building more equitable, respectful relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.

avpii@yorku.ca

Indigenous Initiatives Lead

Dayna Towers

Dayna Towers is an Anishinaabe Kwe, a member of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation with a mixed Irish and Scottish background. She completed an Hon. Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies, Geography, and Canadian Studies at the University of Toronto in 2019 then graduated from the first Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education Program at York University in 2020. After one year of successfully teaching with the TDSB, she joined the Division of Equity, People and Culture at York University. Education, decolonial work, harm reduction and land rights are some of the passions she brings to her role as Indigenous Initiatives Lead.

dtowers@yorku.ca

Featured Sites

Indigenous Framework Review

York's Indigenous Framework Review evaluates progress, identifies challenges, and proposes actions to enhance Indigenous community engagement, aligning with York's values, Academic Plan, and sustainability goals.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Marking four years since its establishment, this day prompts reflection on honoring Calls to Action, fostering learning, sharing knowledge, and driving meaningful change.

National Indigenous History Month

June celebrates Indigenous peoples’ histories, cultures, and contributions. Engage with stories, events, and learning opportunities while honoring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.