Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Framework

North Island College is located on the traditional territories of the combined 35 First Nations of the Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka'wakw and Coast Salish traditions.

We are proud of our local, national and international NIC community and are committed to ensuring that all members of that community feel safe, welcome and included.

In NIC's Strategic Plans, BUILD 2026 and Working Together, NIC's Indigenization Plan, NIC recognizes its moral and ethical responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation and the fundamental importance of "collective growth and change" (Working Together, 2026). Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are foundational themes in our strategic planning and in the day-to-day operations across the institution.

Thank you to all students and employees who took part in our recent survey and campus discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion. Your dedication and enthusiasm for driving positive change at NIC are truly inspiring.

Hearing about the impactful work already underway was both encouraging and motivating, while your candid feedback highlighted important areas where we can still improve. Your openness and commitment is deeply appreciated.

The next step in this journey will be to carefully review all your input and draft the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Framework. This document will set clear goals, outline actionable steps, and serve as a roadmap to advance dignity, belonging, and justice across our NIC community.

Thank you for your engagement and support in making NIC a more inclusive and equitable place for everyone.

DEI Conversation and Survey Objectives

1. To build a more inclusive and equitable culture.
2. To identify common and different experiences of equity and inclusion at NIC.
3. To establish a clearer picture of the diversity (demographics) at NIC. This helps us establish benchmarks, identify the most relevant support and resources and inform planning and decision-making.
4. To celebrate the work that is already being undertaken at NIC to promote and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion.

Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

During the consultation periods for Diversity Matters (2017) and, more recently for the People Plan (2023), we heard that diversity, equity and inclusion were vital to a healthy work and learning environment. The following are a selection of (paraphrased) comments from NIC employees.

• We want to attract and retain a broad and diverse community of students and employees.
• We know that well-being and academic success are closely linked to a sense of belonging.
• We want a workplace and learning environment free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
• NIC community members benefit both personally and professionally from diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.
• We want to offer educational opportunities that prepare our students to live and work in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
• Diverse perspectives, intercultural competence and cultural humility are key to a just society and transformative learning.
• We have a commitment to serving historically under-represented populations.
• We are committed to Truth and Reconciliation and want to see that commitment in action.
• We have a legal obligation to uphold Human Rights as well as an ethical and moral responsibility.
• It’s just the right thing to do!

"...health promoting universities and colleges enhance the success of our institutions; create campus cultures of compassion, well-being, equity and social justice..."

Okanagan Charter

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee

Our call-out for NIC employees and students to join this new committee was very successful. We currently have representatives from across the institution and region including students, administrators, support staff and faculty. Our first meeting took place on April 3, 2024.

The role of this Committee is to support NIC and the Leadership Team by offering advice, guidance and recommendations to enhance DEI initiatives and to identify and support new and promising practices. The Committee will play an important advisory role in the development of the new DEI Strategic Framework.

Members:

• Ken Crewe (Co-Chair) — Associate Vice President, People, Equity & Inclusion – Pronouns: he/him
• Kathleen Kuhnert (Co-Chair) — Vice President, Students & Community Engagement – Pronouns: she/her
• Agalya Kathirvelu — International Student Advisor • Office of Global Engagement
• Alana Definney — Manager, Student Life • Student Life - Pronouns: she/her/hers
• Andrea Kerr — Manager, Indigenous and Regional Partnerships • Indigenous Education – Pronouns: she/her
• April Whalen — Administrative Support Assistant, Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) – Pronouns: she/her
• Carissa Wilson — Executive Director • North Island Students’ Union – Pronouns: she/they
• Danielle Hoogland — Community Engagement Liaison • Future Students & Community Engagement
• Diane Naugler — Executive Director, Community Engagement • Future Students & Community Engagement – Pronouns: they/them/theirs
• Junko Leclair — Manager, International Enrolment and Recruitment • Office of Global Engagement – Pronouns: she/her
• Karen Grigoleit — Senior Research & Planning Officer • Institutional Research & Planning
• Liberty Tazvivinga — Client Support Analyst • IT Service Delivery
• Margaret Hearnden — Global Learning Facilitator • Office of Global Engagement – Pronouns: she/her
• Meesbah Jiwaji — Associate Director, Student Life • Student Life
• Paris Gaudet — Program Officer • Trades & Technology – Pronouns: she/her
• Percy Anderson-Burchill — NIC BSN 4th Year – Pronouns: he/him
• Shamaila Nawaz — Instructor, Business Administration • Business Administration
• Sherri Wilson — Human Resources Advisor, Employee Wellness & Culture • Human Resources – Pronouns: she/her
• Tatiana Antinossi — Support Analyst, Student Records & Systems • Student Services – Pronouns: she/her/hers
• Wendy Harris — Learning Specialist, Comox Valley • Accessible Learning Services – she/her

Non-committee members:

• Felicity Blaiklock, Consultant on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Whom can I contact to tell me more about this initiative?

We are looking forward to connecting with many of you as we move forward, and we will continue to provide regular updates on our progress.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ken Crewe, AVP, People, Equity and Inclusion, ken.crewe@nic.bc.ca; Kathleen Kuhnert, VP, Students and Community Engagement, kathleen.kuhnert@nic.bc.ca; or Sherri Wilson, HR Advisor, sherri.wilson@nic.bc.ca.

We commit to "meaningfully foster diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating safe learning and workspaces and eliminating the inequities in NIC classrooms, systems and structures."

BUILD 2026