A little bit about VIU Chancellor Dr. Judith Sayers

Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, a prominent local Indigenous leader, sustainable development advocate and passionate educator, was named Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) third chancellor on October 24, 2020.

Sayers is President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council – a non-profit society that provides a wide variety of services and supports to 14 nations with about 10,000 members – and holds business and law degrees, as well as an honorary Doctor of Laws, from Queen’s University. She practiced law for 18 years in both Alberta and British Columbia, working in international forums and lobbying governments and other agencies for the promotion and protection of First Nations rights and title. 

For many years, Sayers focused on self-determination and capacity-building within Nations. As Chief of her Nation – Hupacasath First Nation – for 14 years, she was instrumental in the development of a run-of-river project that boosted economic growth, a woodlot that operated with high environmental standards and eco-tourism canoe tours. She also secured both a land use plan and cedar use strategy to bring more certainty for the rights of the Hupacasath. As President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council since 2017, she has taken on a similar advocacy role.

For her many accomplishments, Sayers became a member of the Order of Canada in 2019, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Clean Energy BC and was named to Canada’s 2016 Clean50 for being an outstanding contributor to clean capitalism. She has been a finalist for the Buffett award for Indigenous leadership and was twice awarded the Woman of Distinction from the Alberni Chamber of Commerce. In 2009, the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business inducted Sayers into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame.

Sayers will serve as VIU Chancellor for a three-year term.

Message to Graduating Students

This message by Dr. Sayers will be shared in the convocation program for the class of Spring 2021. 

Kudos to the 2021 graduates of VIU. This is the time we celebrate you. We are experiencing a beautiful spring, and with it begins new growth, beauty and an awakening of many life forms. So it will be with your lives.

What an exciting time to celebrate this major milestone in your lives. And just think, you were able to do it despite the changes in learning due to COVID-19. This is the time when your family, friends and communities can hold you up and say well done. You should all be very proud of your accomplishments. 

Life has put barriers in your way to make your final year challenging. But you had the courage and fortitude to reach for the stars and achieve one major life goal – your certificate, diploma or degree. You found ways to persevere, and now you can engage in whatever capacity you choose. Well done.

Your degree is the foundation from which you will start your career, and many opportunities will come your way that will expand your knowledge and skills and help you make a difference in your world in a way that is meaningful for you.

Our world is changing due to climate change, pandemics and technology. You need to embrace actions that will make this world a better place. We are all responsible for keeping this globe intact for many generations to come and your innovations and commitment can make that happen. This is the challenge that faces your generation and I know your contributions will have a positive impact.

As you go forth, remember to respect everyone, work together and achieve together. Chief Dan George said, “There is a longing among all people and creatures to have a sense of purpose and worth. To satisfy that common longing in all of us we must respect each other.” In this day, where awareness of racism is prominent, you must think and act differently and respect every individual for their talents, thinking and achievements.

We at VIU will watch for your contributions to this world and be proud to know you began your academic journey here. Wishing you success as you become the best person you want to be.