National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA)

National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association

The National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) brings together Indigenous senior university leaders from across Canada. NIUSLA strengthens Indigenous priorities and leadership within higher education through collaboration, dialogue, and collective action. Learn more at www.niusla.ca.

Purpose

The purpose of NIUSLA is to unite Indigenous senior administrative leaders from academic institutions who hold a university-wide or Faculty/College/School-wide mandate. Together, members:

• Take collective action to strengthen Indigenous representation and priorities within universities.

• Build connections and share knowledge.

• Engage in constructive dialogue on issues impacting Indigenous leadership in higher education.

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference outline NIUSLA’s purpose, membership, goals, governance structure, and processes.

👉 Download the NIUSLA Terms of Reference (March 18, 2024 – Approved)

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Events

• National Indigenous Identity Forum 2022
• 2nd National Indigenous Citizenship Forum 2023: Moving Beyond Indigenous Self-identification at Canadian Post-secondaries
• NEW: NIUSLA SUMMIT 2025 – May 12 & 13, 2025, Regina, SK.

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Reports

• 2022 What Was Heard Report: Indigenous Voices on Indigenous Identity
• 2023 Report Moving Beyond Indigenous Self-Identification at Canadian Post-Secondaries: Summary Report

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NIUSLA Members

NIUSLA members can request and share experiences and information, provide recommendations, and identify areas of success and need within post-secondary institutions. 

We are an unincorporated association governed by an Executive Committee.

Co-Chairs

• Dr. Christy Bressette – Western University
• Ms. Denise Baxter – Lakehead University (interim)
• Lori Campbell – University of Regina (deferred)

Executive

• Executive Member – Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann – First Nations University of Canada
• Executive Member – Dr. Shauneen Pete – Royal Roads University

Meet NIUSLA’s Current Membership

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Resources