ISI Fund Guiding Principles

Transparency

The principle of transparency extends to open decision-making processes, open reporting mechanisms and open communication at all levels of the university. In particular, open communications are essential across and between governance bodies, Faculties, departments and operational units.

Work that is grounded in relationship and community

This is a central principle of the ISP and must transfer as a core principle of the implementation process. Work that is grounded in relationship and community can be fostered by listening, respectful dialogue and information sharing with:

• Students
• Communities
• Staff (especially those working on the front lines with students)
• Researchers and faculty members

Amplification of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences to implement structural and innovative change

Meaningful reconciliation moves beyond inclusion and requires the acknowledgement of specific histories, experiences and lived realities associated with and impacted by colonialism. As such, the amplification of Indigenous voices is an essential element to implementing structural and innovative change at UBC. In particular, the collection and analysis of institutional data must include and amplify the perspectives of Indigenous students, faculty and staff.

Building a strong foundation

Supporting Faculties, departments and units in implementation activities will first require building a strong and ethical foundation for this work to thrive. It is important to understand the history and context for how this work has appeared in each unit previously. In some cases, this process will require Faculties, departments and units to identify resources, people and priorities to address gaps in levels of support in order to move forward with implementation. This will rely on the robust and ethical collection and reporting of data and narratives.

Building a strong foundation also entails a comprehensive understanding of the three guiding and contextual documents for the ISP: the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ 231 Calls for Justice.

With respect to the ISI Fund, it is extremely important that this funding not act as a substitute for core funding from Faculties and units. The implementation of the ISP is the responsibility of everyone at UBC and as such Faculties and units are expected to develop and set aside their own funds for their ISP initiatives/projects.

Collaboration, collectivity and coordination

The ISP is the collective responsibility of the UBC community and as such it necessitates a collaborative, collective and coordinated approach to implementation. This approach will, however, continue to respect the autonomy of each campus and of governance bodies, Faculties, departments and operational units.

Broad accountability

The principle of accountability extends across all levels of the university. This is a collective plan and as such we are all responsible for its implementation, progress and success.

Stewardship of UBC budget

Each proposal will provide a reasonable and justifiable budget as well as timely and transparent reporting to ensure prudent use of university funding.  

Sustainability

Projects will result in sustainable benefits to departments, units, Faculties or the institution. The Faculty, department or unit will be responsible for sustainment and commit to reviewing the merits of funding sustainment.