Kory Wilson recognized by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

(Photo above: Kory Wilson and her two daughters at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trades awards reception)

Kory Wilson, Executive Director, BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships has been recognized by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade for her work championing women in leadership roles. The 2018 Wendy McDonald Diversity Awards honour individuals who promote diversity, equality, and systemic change within their organization.

“Kory appears to be tireless in her work to promote diversity with a particular focus on Indigenous peoples, and more particularly on Indigenous women,” commented Leelah Dawson, School of Business Dean, who nominated Kory for the Wendy McDonald Diversity Award.

Since Kory joined BCIT, she has enriched the Institute with numerous Indigenous initiatives including the creation of Indigenous Awareness Modules that will be available soon for use across BCIT and at other institutions or organizations, an Indigenous 101 seminar that aims to increase awareness of Indigenous challenges and opportunities, and a number of Indigenous Wellness Tools are being designed.

In her current role, Kory ensures that her work and direction are guided by the mandate of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and external key documents such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action.

Kory also promotes diversity on a national scale, as the chair of the National Indigenous Education Committee of Colleges and Institutions (CICan). Last year, BCIT became the 50^th institute to sign the CICan Indigenous Education Protocol, a document that provides a vision for how colleges and institutes can strive to improve their practices and better serve Indigenous peoples. It is based on seven principles that underscore the importance of structures and approaches to address Indigenous peoples’ learning needs and support self-determination and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities.

Kory and her team continue their outstanding work at BCIT Indigenous Services – improving institutional practices to better service Indigenous peoples.  It is important to note that Kory wants to acknowledge that she could not do any of the work that she has without the great support and commitment of many at BCIT.

Congratulations Kory!