It is with a mixture of joy and sadness that we share the news of the appointment of Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup as the Director of Indigenous Engagement. Derek is from the diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ – Ditidaht First Nation, one of fourteen Nuuchahnulth Nations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. He has worked for two years with the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) as the first Indigenous Advisor. As the REDI Indigenous Advisor, Derek provided leadership and support across the Faculty to help create and sustain learning and work environments that incorporate standards of cultural safety and humility, and that are free from Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination. Derek spearheaded the Indigenous Speaker Series, one of the most widely attended series in the REDI office, which aims to continue and advance the conversation about truth-telling and reconciliation. Derek will continue collaboration with the REDI office on multiple fronts, including the Indigenous Speaker Series for the upcoming academic year 2023-2024.
We are very excited about the important work ahead that Derek will lead as the Director of Indigenous Engagement. In describing this new role, Dr. Mike Allard, Vice Dean of Health Engagement, writes that Derek “will provide vision, strategic leadership and diplomacy in advancing the Faculty’s efforts to establish meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Peoples, nations, communities and organizations. Doing so is a key priority and necessity in supporting the implementation of the UBC Faculty of Medicine Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action (the Response) — and equally important, the work of reckoning with the truth and working together for a better future.” Read the full message by Dr. Mike Allard.
We take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Derek on his well-deserved appointment. His exemplary dedication and tireless efforts to advance the work of truth telling and reconciliation are an inspiration to us all. We have every confidence that his leadership will continue to support transforming the culture in the Faculty of Medicine. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for Derek’s unwavering commitment and congratulate him once again on his new role as the Director of Indigenous Engagement.