Allison is a member of the Deh Gah Gotie Dene First Nation and has over 20 years of experience advancing Indigenous initiatives across public, academic, and community sectors. She is committed to trauma-informed, relationship-centered, and equity-driven change. Her work is grounded in a deep respect for Indigenous self-determination, specializing in building partnerships, shaping strategy, and leading teams that drive systemic transformation.

Her career spans roles in policy, wellness, and program development, including leadership positions with the First Nations Health Authority, First Nations Technology Council, and the BC Public Service with a key focus on facilitating dialogue, nurturing inclusive teams, and championing learning environments that center Indigenous voices and knowledge system

In previous roles at UBC, she has led Strategic Indigenous Enrolment Initiatives such as the Indigenous Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program (IURMP), the UBC-Langara Indigenous Transfer partnership, developed trauma-informed training programs, and strengthened institutional accountability through governance and data stewardship.

Currently serving as Director of the Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Allison provides oversight and leadership for the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund, reporting on the progress of UBC’s 2020 Indigenous Strategic Plan and helping units in their implementation of the ISP.

Allison holds a Master’s degree in Dispute Resolution from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University. Outside of work, she is a volunteer puppy raiser and sitter with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS).

Leyla Nouhi is the Executive Coordinator at the Office of the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (OISI) at UBC. In this role, she supports the OISI Director and staff and manages a range of strategic projects and operational priorities that advance the implementation of UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan. She works closely with Indigenous initiatives and community partners—especially the Musqueam Band—to ensure respectful collaboration and alignment with Indigenous protocols.

Leyla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Public Policy. She brings extensive experience in executive support, project coordination, and management across both public and private sectors. Born in Germany and raised in Iran, she has lived as a first-generation settler on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations for nearly 30 years.

Witnessing the impact of the projects supported by the Indigenous Strategic Initiative Fund has been deeply inspiring to her. Learning about the diverse and powerful initiatives across campus has strengthened her dedication to reconciliation and systemic change. She is passionate about contributing to a more equitable future through thoughtful coordination, respectful engagement, and collaborative action.

Gillian Smith is the Indigenous Strategic Programming Manager at the University of British Columbia. In this role, Gillian utilizes her experiences and knowledge related to Indigenous rights, public policy, project management, and applied research to support UBC’s emergent and strategic priorities to uphold and advance Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Key areas of her position include: 1) aiding with the implementation of UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan; 2) participating in the ISP Guiding Network; and, 3) administering the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Fund.

Recognizing the importance of keeping Indigenous peoples centered as leaders, Gillian considers her role to be an integrator. In her work, she starts from a position of listening and support, leading with curiosity and empathy to first understand relevant needs, objectives, and contexts. From there, she looks for opportunities to leverage her skills to help identify and execute on, tangible steps to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Prior to joining UBC, Gillian had the privilege of working directly with Indigenous nations across Canada in matters pertaining to their Indigenous rights and interests, with a particular focus on the duty to consult and accommodate, community research, policy analysis, and negotiation. Gillian also previously held roles in research and strategy, with projects related to equity, advocacy, and community empowerment.

Gillian holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary. Her capstone explored legal precedents on the duty to consult and how these court decisions end up reflected in policy and legislation. She also earned a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies from the University of New Brunswick where she gained foundational knowledge in ethics, critical inquiry, and community engagement.

Gillian is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting the advancement of Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Her work is rooted in a strong respect for Indigenous governance and knowledge systems and a belief in equity and the transformative power of strategic, community-driven action.

Marshal Polykovskiy is a proud member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) located on the traditional territory of the nłeʔképmx (Nlaka’pamux). He is passionate about advancing education, economic development, and supporting vibrant communities.

As the Indigenous Strategic Programming Specialist at UBC within the Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (OISI), Marshal supports external engagement and relationship-building, and contributes to institutional reporting related to the Indigenous Strategic Plan.

With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM) from Thompson Rivers University (TRU), Marshal has developed knowledge in business administration, communications, strategy, and project management.

Marshal has held a range of roles that reflect his commitment to Indigenous education and community development. His experience includes leading communications and engagement at the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA), managing marketing, communications and events at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), and providing strategic communications support at Okanagan College. He has also been a taught courses at NVIT and worked with organizations such as Community Futures, Teck Highland Valley Copper, and the Lower Nicola Indian Band, contributing to business development, strategic planning, and community-driven initiatives.

Outside of his role at UBC, Marshal serves as a Director on the board for the Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation (LNIBDC) as well as on the boards of Lower Nicola Site Services (LNSS) and Ogilvie Mountain Holdings LP (OMH), where he contributes his knowledge to economic development and governance within his home community.

Marshal’s work continues to be driven by a vision of empowering Indigenous communities, fostering education opportunities, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Dray Bear is a proud member of the Whitecap Dakota Nation in Saskatchewan. He brings a values-driven, relational approach to his role as Communications and Engagement Coordinator with the Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (OISI) at the University of British Columbia a perspective shaped by both formal education and years of community-based experience.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, along with certificates in Aboriginal Business Administration and Indigenous Governance and Politics. His work is further informed by training in cultural safety, youth engagement, and a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous health, governance, and communications.

Over the years, Dray has supported a range of Indigenous-led initiatives across Turtle Island from youth development and Nation-building to strategic planning, recruitment, and wellness programming. He’s worked with organizations such as the Whitecap Dakota Nation, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), the White Buffalo Youth Lodge, and the Virtual Health Hub. These roles deepened his belief in the power of story, connection, and reciprocity as tools for transformation and in the importance of consistently showing up for the community in real and lasting ways.

At UBC, Dray supports the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) through digital storytelling, strategic outreach, event coordination, and campus-wide engagement. His work focuses on helping ensure Indigenous priorities are reflected and advanced with care, clarity, and integrity.

Dray sees his role as a connector: between community and institution, story and action, vision and change. He’s honoured to be part of this journey at UBC and looks forward to walking alongside others in this work.