Black History Month 2026 Statement

January 29, 2026/in UVSS Statements

February is Black History Month. During this time, we recognize, acknowledge, respect, and educate ourselves about the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians. We also take this time to reflect on the injustices carried out against Black Canadians, singularly as a result of their race.

Announced by the government of Canada, this year’s theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme resonates very strongly with us and speaks to values we at the UVSS seek to uphold. Though Black History Month has only been officially recognized in Canada for 30 years, the contributions of Black Canadians to Canada greatly surpasses these three decades.

As students at the University of Victoria, this theme is especially poignant to us – we work alongside future leaders every day. We see the amazing work done by Black students, despite the systematic marginalization they often experience. Through Black History Month and beyond, we must work to amplify Black voices and experiences. Amazing groups like the Students of Colour Collective (SOCC) work tirelessly to further the interests of Black students across our campus. We encourage all students, BIPOC or not, to engage with and support the work that they do.

Despite ingrained systemic barriers that Black students face, Black students continue to excel and push the boundaries of education at UVic. In our university and beyond, Black students continue to succeed and set the standard in often discriminatory spaces where they are made to feel unwelcome.

It’s our job to educate ourselves on this important history, and to continue pursuing justice and recognition for Black Canadians. It is our obligation as the voices of the UVSS to promote and share the importance of Black History Month. We aim to empower our Black students to find joy and celebration in community, and hope that our non-Black students take responsibility to learn from and engage meaningfully with Black history.

Whether it’s by supporting local Black businesses, taking the time to learn about important Black Canadians who helped shape this country, or by attending events put on at UVic and throughout the community, take some time to reflect on Black History month and the impacts the Black community have made. We encourage you to check out the resources below, which feature local events and educational materials, and to look at your own community for ways you can engage with Black History Month.

Resources:

Here are some upcoming events you can check out this Black History Month.

UVSS Events

Feb 2 – 6: Global Village

Global Village invites vendors, community organizations, and cultural ambassadors to bring cultures from around the world to life at UVic and is hosted by the Students of Colour Collective and the University of Victoria Students’ Society.

Before the Rain Falls immersive exhibition

Feb 4 & 5, 11am to 4pm, in the SUB Upper Lounge. Come and experience art, reflect and engage in discussions of migration, heritage, identity, memory and home with 5 student artist pieces.

Between Places, Between Belonging: A Panel

Feb 4 from 2-4 p.m. in the SUB Upper Lounge

More than a seat at the table: Amplifying BIPOC Voices: Panel

Feb 6 from 2-4 p.m. in the SUB Upper Lounge, featuring research from Gabrielle Warrior, UVic alumni and member of Scarborough Charter Steering Committee.

UVic events – 2026

Visit the Black History Month at UVic page for more details.

Feb 3 – Black History Month Panel – Faculty of Law

12:30 – 1:50 p.m. in Fraser B261
Join UVic Law’s Racial Justice Program for a panel discussion moderated by Assistant Professor of Law Andrew Luesley. The panel will explore the diversity of Black experiences in Canada, with attention to history, community, and institutional life.

Feb. 5 – Celebrate Black History Month with Food

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Come enjoy an African and Caribbean inspired meal at The Cove (Feast)! Offered by University Food Services in partnership with the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee.

Feb. 6 – African Beading Workshop

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Student Life Hub (next to Mystic Market, Jamie Cassels Centre)
Learn about African beadwork traditions and create your own waist beads at this hands-on cultural celebration of African heritage.

Feb. 6 – Afro Beats night

6:00 p.m. at Vertigo, Student Union Building
This all ages event is presented by the Students of Colour Cooperative (SOCC).

Feb. 10 – Black Diaspora, Intellectual Life and the Current Academic Landscape

2:30 – 4:00 p.m. in the Engineering Computer Science Building, room 123
A public talk by Dr. Bright Gyamfi from Rutgers University.

BC Black History Awareness Society

Check out the BC Black History Society webpage for more upcoming events and resources.

Black History at the Shady Creek Church

For decades a Black History Month Celebration has taken place at the “Shady Creek Church”. The celebration includes a presentation by Karen Hoshal, a life-time BCBHAS member and a descendant of the Alexander Family who were instrumental in building the 1st church, later rebuilt at its current location; and a selection of songs by the choir.

Black History and Heritage Day

Take this opportunity to meet and talk with direct descendants about their stories and family history and meet with local organizations that are dedicated to the preservation of historical records related to Black history in BC; AND connect with Black-led organizations that celebrate and promote arts and culture through events, educational programs, and community activities.

Government of Canada

Noteworthy Figures

Read the biographies of some notable Black people in Canada who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity, and who have made and continue to make enormous contributions to the wellbeing, and prosperity of our country.

Response to Disruptive Talk Happening on Campus

December 2, 2025/in UVSS Statements

On November 29th, the UVSS was made aware of an event that Frances Widdowson and Dallas Brodie have publicly stated that they will hold in front of the McPherson Library during the week of December 1, 2025. The UVSS does not have jurisdiction over this event and has no procedural authority to approve or cancel this event. The University administration has been notified of this event and the concerns raised by UVSS members. The publicly stated purpose of this event is to “hold a free speech discussion about the ‘unmarked graves claim.’” We have received a number of concerns from members of our community that this event may lend itself to residential school denialism.

Residential school denialism is more complex and nuanced than the outright denial of the existence of the Indian Residential School System (IRS). It is the rejection or misrepresentation of basic facts about the IRS in a way that undermines Truth and Reconciliation. Residential school denialism, at its core, asserts Indigenous deficiency and settler innocence. In an era of rampant misinformation and rising extremism, it is more important now than ever to take a strong stance against racism and colonialism and stand up for Truth and Reconciliation.

The UVSS remains dedicated to supporting an inclusive and safe environment for all its members and does not support or condone events which may harm the UVSS community. Information for resources to support those negatively impacted by this event can be found at the Office of Indigenous Affairs/Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, the First Peoples House, and the Native Students Union.

Today and every day, the UVSS acknowledges that our campus resides on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people, including the Songhees, Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. The UVSS stands in solidarity with these groups and is committed to Truth and Reconciliation.

Sincerely,

UVSS Board of Directors

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Statement 2025

September 25, 2025/in UVSS Statements, UVSS Statements

On September 30, we observe and pay our respects for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a solemn day for many Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and community members, but also for the country as a whole. As we continue to learn and reconcile with our shared history, we acknowledge the grief, immense harm, and loss that survivors and their families continue to carry, and the forever unspoken testimony of those lost to residential schools and day schools. No set of words in any order can undo that harm, but we offer them with humility and a commitment to listen, learn, and act, so that there is less cause for suffering in future generations.

On this day, we honour the children taken and harmed by residential schools and day schools. We recognize the survivors who are burdened with the dreadful legacy of oppression, and we reflect on the ongoing impacts of Canada’s structures of injustice and shameful history of residential schools and discrimination. We also thank and acknowledge the contributions of Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt day tradition that follows, and recognize the role it plays in truth and reconciliation.

We acknowledge that the University of Victoria and the UVSS operate on the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) and territories of importance to the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. We are continually grateful for the opportunity to live, learn, and work on these lands and we offer this acknowledgement as one step among many in a long process of responsibility and improvement.

We reaffirm the UVSS’s responsibility to create a campus where Indigenous students, staff, and community members are safe, respected, and supported. We recognize that our commitment to strengthening relations and advancing understanding is modest compared with the work required to heal old and ugly wounds and establish real social trust, but we take our responsibility to the cause of truth and reconciliation seriously with each and every step.

It must also be said that discriminatory and oppressive histories and structures have shaped our educational institutions, and that genuine equity, equality, and correction requires ongoing attention and collective work. We have, and continue to, advocate for these issues and others to be addressed with the appropriate concern and passion that they deserve, as a part of our efforts to both scrutinize and collaborate with the University.

For individual members of our community, we encourage reflection and learning: wear orange if you feel called to do so, read survivor testimony, and support Indigenous-led organizations and student groups. We encourage those who have, through the complicated and often problematic social makeup of this country, directly or indirectly benefited from the oppressive histories of this country to reflect on their role in truth and reconciliation. We must learn how we can promote healing in our communities.

Finally, to all of our Indigenous students and community members: we see you, we hear you, and we are devoted to ensuring that your place at UVic is one marked by dignity and respect. The UVSS will continue to listen, to act, and to be held accountable by all of those we serve, for the good of all students. Thank you.

With respect,

The UVSS Board of Directors

Educational Resources

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website: https://nctr.ca/

Information on the history and present of Orange Shirt Day: https://orangeshirtday.org

Events

For all of the UVic-supported community events for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt day, view this webpage: https://www.uvic.ca/event/orange-shirt-day/index.php

South Island Powwow by Songhees Nation: https://www.songheesnation.ca/south-island-powwow

Support Resources

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line

24-hour crisis line for survivors and family of survivors. Toll-Free: 1-866-925-4419

KUU-US Crisis Line Society

The KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates a 24-hour provincial Aboriginal crisis line for adults/Elders and youth.

Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050

Children/Youth: 250-723-2040

Toll-free Line: 1-800-588-8717

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025

June 20, 2025/in UVSS Statements

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, as established in 1996 by the Governor General of Canada, as a time to commemorate and celebrate the long-standing traditions, cultures, and history of the various Indigenous nations that continue to live across the country. As we strive to do each day, we take redoubled effort to recall the millennia-old relationship between Indigenous peoples and the lands and waters we live and work upon today which have been stewarded by the lək̓ ʷəŋən peoples, including the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, and the W̱ SÁNEĆ peoples since time immemorial. We work to ensure that the dignity, rights, laws, and culture of all Indigenous peoples, and especially those of the local nations, are not only upheld but celebrated.

This day falls on the summer solstice, the longest period of sunlight in the year. This day has long held tremendous cultural significance to many Indigenous nations as a time for celebrating heritage and community. The diversity and variety of identity, tradition, and way of life across the Indigenous peoples of Canada make it impossible and inappropriate to paint with a single brush, to say with any universal certainty what this day means to the populations that first called this land home. We can say, however, that this is a day of great meaning and importance to many of these peoples as a time to remember and find joy in the history, traditions, language, and intergenerational knowledge which defines their way of life.

Delving into a topic such as this, it is important that we do not ignore the fact that this history is one marked and scarred by colonization and cultural oppression, and which carries a burden of loss and hardship to this day. Most recently, the legacy of Indigenous traditions has been considerably wounded by the residential and day “school” system of Canada, a government-created system which sought to eradicate Indigenous peoples, languages, and culture through forced assimilation, violence, and dispossession. The genocide of Indigenous peoples at the hands of the federal government through the residential and day “school” system resulted in the deaths of thousands of Indigenous children. The effects of these “schools”, the last of which closed only in 1997, is felt just as painfully today.

The persistence of Indigenous culture today, though institutionally diminished, proves a spirit of resilience and perseverance, and nations across Canada continue to celebrate, perhaps most prominently today, their way of life. This is also a time to consider how we can advance the cause of reconciliation and decolonization, to contribute to a more just and free country for all of its citizens. It is necessary for those of us who practice traditions with more historical acceptance under colonial societies to recognize the privilege and comfort of living without such oppression, and to work alongside Indigenous peoples to promote equal freedoms for all. The UVSS will continue the work of ensuring the voice of Indigenous students are heard, and to resist discrimination and oppression on campus.

More than anything, today is a day for joy and pride, for the rightful exercise of the freedom to live in the ways most true and meaningful to us, for the Indigenous peoples of this land to celebrate their history and look forward to the future. For as many generations as have held close these values commemorated today, we know that many generations on will too, that future generations will carry the sacred torch and pay tribute to their history as their ancestors have for thousands of years. For as much as these ways of life have been wounded, today, they stand strong.

If you are looking to get involved with the celebrations or are seeking supports, please refer to the resources section at the end of this statement.

In Solidarity,

The UVSS Board of Directors

Resources

Though today is in many ways a celebration of Indigenous resurgence, all feelings are valid. Remember to walk gently and take care of your body, mind, spirit, and heart however you need to. Please seek support, if needed, from the Indigenous counsellors at the UVic Student Wellness Centre by calling 250-721-8563, emailing the Indigenous Student Support Coordinators at IACE (iaceiss@uvic.ca) and OSL (oslisscreferrals@uvic.ca), emailing the Native Students Union Advocacy Councillor (advocacycouncillor@uvicnsu.ca), or calling the 24/7 Kuu-Us Crisis Line crisis line (1-800-588-8717).

UVSS Pride Month Statement 2025

June 10, 2025/in UVSS Statements

This June, we take the time to recognize and discuss the various movements, struggles, and triumphs which comprise the ongoing efforts of Pride, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community at large. This reflection ought to be not merely a consideration of where we stand now, of what is worthy of celebration or condemnation, but also a look into the history and future of 2SLGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in this country, and around the world.

The Pride movement is rooted in revolution, in protest, and counter-establishment acts of statement and resistance. These acts of resistance have been made necessary by the fact that virtually all societies of the modern era have, until very recently, systematically marginalized, punished, or erased expressions of 2SLGBTQ+ identities and love. Whether under the guise of religious dogma, social standards of ‘acceptability,’ bureaucratic inflexibility, or misappropriated sciences, hate against those representing minority identities or sexualities has been pervasive throughout most of history, across most of the earth.

Exceptions to this have existed, the most relevant example being the far more accepting traditions of the Indigenous populations of the Americas. These traditions provide vital models for a future built on respect and inclusion. However, they do not erase the destructive legacies that shape much of our society. Rather, they offer hope for what a sustainable, equitable future might look like.

In recent years, even just in recent months, we have seen a resurgence of anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and law from many countries around the world, including Canada, but most significantly from the USA. The oppressive and increasingly aggressive tendencies of this new wave of discrimination are not merely concerning, but an outright affront to the decades-long labour of building up protection, rights, and social acceptance of 2SLGBTQ+ people in the democracies of the world.

There remains cause for gratitude, and celebration, for the leading place of Canada in 2SLGBTQ+ rights, but this new tide provides warning, and reminder, not only that we must work to hold on to the progress we have made, but to continually press on further, to banish the hate and oppression that remains and build a just and welcoming society for all. It must be noted that Canada is the relative bastion of progressive rights and freedoms that it is as a result of decades of protest and activism, proof that this fight can and will yield results. It continues to be our responsibility, on each and every one of us, to speak up when the hateful are brazen and made comfortable enough to exert their malice upon the vulnerable and marginalized. In addition, we must make clear to any and all that this is, and must always be, a country for all people to live without fear of discrimination, cruelty, or violence.

Here on this campus, we will be among the leading voices to press forward the task of 2SLGBTQ+ rights, to represent and defend those who have gone too long without the dignity and respect owed by a just society. The work is not finished, nor will it be for far longer than any of us can say, but it is important that it does not end, and that our resolve does not waver. Be kind, be of aid, lend your voice to grow this message stronger, to build the world every one of us wishes to live in. Take time for yourself, to take joy and pride in your own identity and expression, to appreciate the triumph that is you. And be proud, not merely of who you are, but of the community and country we are a part of, that, for despite all of the shortfalls, failures, and imperfections, we can be said to try each day to be better than the last.

In solidarity

UVSS Board of Directors

Response to Transphobia on Campus

June 3, 2025/in UVSS Statements

Dear UVSS Members,

It has come to our attention that the SUB was vandalized with vulgar transphobic graffiti. To be clear, this was a premeditated hate crime carried out on the first day of Pride Month that the SUB was open.

Incidents such as these highlight the necessity of Pride Month and Pride as a broader movement, especially right now. Queer and Trans+ people are being used as a prop in a culture war, and it is disproportionately Transgender Women who are being targeted. As transphobes get louder, allies must get EVEN LOUDER. Trans Women are Women, Trans rights are human rights, the gender binary is oppressive and colonial, and gender diversity beautifies and enriches our community.

The UVSS condemns not only this specific hate crime, but all transphobic acts of its kind and the hateful rhetoric that motivates. As Pride Month comes and goes this year, we reaffirm our commitment to serving 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities on campus all year round. We strive to make the SUB a place where every gender identity is not only respected, but celebrated.

With respect and care,

UVSS Lead Directors
Lindsey, Griffin, Michael, Jonah and Katie
Gender Empowerment Centre
UVSS Pride Collective

Transgender Day of Visibility Statement

March 31, 2025/in UVSS Statements

Today, March 31st, we recognize and honour Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to celebrating and uplifting transgender people while educating ourselves about gender diversity. This day is an opportunity to show solidarity, raise awareness, and fight for transgender individuals in our community and everywhere.

Transgender people face an ongoing and alarming wave of hostility and marginalization, especially in North America. This is not a new struggle, but it is one that has escalated in recent times. Across the United States and Canada, transphobic rhetoric and policies are being weaponized to create moral panics and target transgender individuals. Whether it’s attacks on healthcare access, the erasure of trans identities in policy, or the spreading of harmful myths, these actions are rooted in hate, fear, and a refusal to recognize the humanity and rights of transgender people.

As the UVSS, we want to be clear: we will never tolerate hate. We will always stand for inclusivity, respect, and the protection of trans lives. Regardless of the political landscape, no matter who holds power, we have a fiduciary duty to uphold our values — and that includes protecting transgender people from discrimination, harm, and erasure.

It is important to remember that the modern concept of “transgenderism” is a Western term that has become an umbrella to describe individuals whose gender identity or expression differs from their sex assigned at birth. However, this is not a new or unique concept. Before colonialism, many Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island had their own gender-diverse traditions, often encapsulated by the term “Two-Spirit,” a term meant to facilitate Indigenous Peoples connection with nation-specific expressions and roles of gender and sexual diversity. Two-Spirit people were, and continue to be, integral members of Indigenous communities. It’s crucial to recognize that “Two-Spirit” is not synonymous with being transgender, but important to recognize how both challenge the colonial, binary understanding of gender.

When discussing the ongoing struggles for trans rights, we must also acknowledge the harm caused by colonialism in erasing and demonizing gender diversity, and that this history continues to impact how we view gender today.

Transgender people are not defined by their struggles. On Transgender Day of Visibility we celebrate the countless contributions of transgender people throughout history. From the trailblazing activism of figures like Rupert Raj and Sylvia Rivera, to the groundbreaking achievements of contemporary leaders like Aaron Devor, Aiyyana Maracle, Raquel Willis, and Alok Vaid-Menon, transgender individuals have always been at the forefront of social change, championing human rights and pushing for a more inclusive society. Transgender people have excelled in the arts, sciences, politics, and every other field, breaking barriers and bringing us the world we live in today. Their resilience, strength, and creativity have shaped the world we live in today and will continue to inspire generations to come.

However, while we celebrate these accomplishments, we must also recognize the harsh reality that “breaking barriers” should not be a requirement for simply existing. The fact that transgender people have had to fight for visibility, recognition, and basic human rights is a testament to the systemic barriers that continue to exist. Achievements and resilience should not be framed as extraordinary under oppression; they should be seen as a basic expectation of respect, equality, and access to opportunities for all people, regardless of gender identity. We cannot discount the immense hardship that transgender individuals face every day, and we must work toward a future where these barriers no longer exist—where people are able to live fully, authentically, and without fear or discrimination, simply for being who they are.

Today, and every day, we stand in solidarity with transgender people everywhere, and we renew our commitment to building a campus and a society where everyone, regardless of gender identity or expression, is valued, respected, and supported. Transgender people have always existed and will always exist, at UVic, in Canada, and everywhere.

In solidarity,

Bunni, Izzy, Hemal, Khushi and Sarah

Resource List:

Books:

Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

I’m Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya

Reclaiming Two-Spirits, Spirituality Renewal and Sovereignty in Native America by Gregory Smithers

Movies:

Paris is Burning

I saw the TV Glow

Will & Harper

UVSS Services: