Christy R. Bressette reappointed Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives)
We are pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Christy R. Bressette to a second five-year term as Western’s Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Initiatives). Since her initial appointment on March 1, 2021, Dr. Bressette has been a transformative leader, championing Indigenous education and reconciliation.
Dr. Christy R. Bressette, whose Anishinaabe name is Neeta-Noo-Kee Kwe (Hard-Working Woman), is a proud member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
Growing up on the land, immersed in her culture, Dr. Bressette has and continues to be a lifelong learner of lessons taught by Shkaakaamikwe (Mother Earth). She naturally gravitates towards water (a very powerful medicine), usually while fishing from her kayak as she observes, listens, and marvels at Creation.
Her love and respect for every being informs her life-journey to celebrate each day while being ever mindful to safeguard the future for the next generations to come.
Born into the Turtle Clan, who hold responsibilities for education, Dr. Bressette points to a long line of strong Anishinabek women in her family who forged a path forward where everyone learns about and upholds their responsibilities to each other and the Earth.
Dr. Bressette brings a wealth of experience in advancing Indigenous education, policy, and partnership to Western.
“I’ve been fortunate to draw directly upon many relevant experiences and responsibilities to inform the critically important work needed to promote reconciliation within society,” said Dr. Bressette. “Gifted with the experiences I’ve encountered as an Indigenous student, parent, teacher, community member, leader, and scholar, I will continue to support the institution in its mandate to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities.”
Over the past five years, Dr. Bresette has provided extraordinary leadership grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, community engagement and a commitment to inclusive excellence. Her ongoing support to elevate Indigenous perspectives and knowledges has helped to inform numerous transformative initiatives, including the ongoing development of the Wampum Learning Lodge; the expansion of Indigenous student supports, scholarships, and mentorship programs; and the advancement of Indigenous-led teaching and research across Western’s faculties.
“Christy has helped integrate Indigenous priorities into Western’s institutional strategies, shaped new policies and practices rooted in cultural safety and respect and strengthened relationships with local Indigenous Nations and organizations,” said Florentine Strzelczyk, provost and vice-president (Academic). “Her relational leadership style, inspired by the Anishinabe concept of Meno Biimaadziwin (the Good Life), has created space for meaningful dialogue and action toward reconciliation.”
In her second term, Dr. Bressette will continue to champion Indigenous-led initiatives, grow campus and community-based partnerships, and lead Western in expanding intercultural competency, allyship, and institutional accountability in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Dr. Bressette will continue to represent Western across the country (Turtle Island) and provide leadership as the co-chair of the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders Association (NUISLA).
We invite the Western community to join us in celebrating Dr. Bressette's reappointment and recognizing her unwavering dedication to Indigenous initiatives and education. Her leadership continues to drive meaningful change.
