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Leadership and strategy

Through our leadership team, Indigenous advisory circles, and strategic plans, we work to ensure Indigenous voices shape the direction, policies, and priorities of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥.

At the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Relations (OVPIR), leadership is shared, relational, and grounded in Indigenous worldviews. Our work is guided by Mi’kmaw,ÌýWolastoqey, andÌýPeskotomuhkatiÌýperspectives, the Peace and Friendship Treaties, and »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s commitment to reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenous rights.

Through our leadership team, Indigenous advisory circles, and strategic plans, we work to ensure Indigenous voices shape the direction, policies, and priorities of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥.

Meet the OVPIR team Indigenous Advisory Council and Circles Strategic priorities and plans

Meet the OVPIR team

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Relations is led by Indigenous and allied leaders who bring deep experience in community engagement, education, research, and policy. Together, they work to advance Indigenous priorities across »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ and to uphold our responsibilities to the Nations on whose lands we live and learn.

Vice-Provost Indigenous Relations John R Sylliboy

Vice-provost Indigenous relations

John R. Sylliboy

John RÌýSylliboyÌýis L'nu from the Millbrook First Nation in Canada. He advocates for the Two-Spirit community, human rights, and cultural awareness.Ìý
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John is a PhD candidate at McGill University. His doctoral research explores gender, sexuality, and sex by integratingÌýL'nuweyÌý(Mi'kmaw) perspectives throughÌýEtuaptmumkÌýor Two-Eyed Seeing. John R's research interests include Indigenous health (chronic pain),ÌýchildÌýand youth,ÌýEtuaptmumkÌýfor knowledge-development, and policy.Ìý
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John collaborates onÌýnumerousÌýresearch projects, publications, and knowledge-sharing opportunitiesÌýaboutÌýthe L'nu worldview.

Email: johnrsylliboy@dal.ca
Elder Ann Labillois is wearing a gown for convocation.

Elder in residence

Ann (Annjij) LaBillois

Ann LaBillois is here to support Indigenous students at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ through 1-1 meetings, smudging, offering opening prayers, and more. Ann is from Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar) in New Brunswick, she grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.Ìý Ann worked as an addiction counselor for 12 years, at the Eel River Bar Health Center.Ìý Ann also has a certification in MBSR (Mindful Based Stress Reduction) through the University of Massachusetts.Ìý Embracing her life journey, she has gained an understanding of the continuing ripple effects of colonialism.Ìý Ann’s experience with the impact of residential schools was lived through her father, Issac LaBillois, who had lived in the school for 7 years.Ìý Ann understands that feeling of losing one’s connection to self, the earth, our culture and with Creator.Ìý Today Ann has a passion to share the gifts that have helped her to heal.

Learn more about the Elders in residence program
Kayler Mutyabule smiling and wearing a white jacket with gold buttons.

Executive assistantÌý

KaylerÌýMutyabule

KaylerÌýMutyabuleÌýÌýis from Kampala, Uganda, and is a »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ÌýalumnaÌýwith a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.Ìý

She is an award-winning strategist and skilled facilitator with extensive experience supporting senior leadership and contributing to the development and delivery of institutional programs, services, and policy initiatives within a post-secondary environment.ÌýÌý

Kayler brings a strong commitment to service excellence, collaborative relationship-building, and effective coordination, and isÌýhonoredÌýto support the work of this office.

Email: kayler.mutyabule@dal.ca

Indigenous Advisory Council and Circles

Our work is guided by Indigenous voices through internal and external advisory structures. These councils and circles help ensure that community priorities, lived experiences, and Indigenous knowledge systems are centered in decision-making.

Role of advisory bodies

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  • Guide the implementation and renewal of theÌýIndigenous Strategy.
  • Provide feedback on policy development (e.g., membership/citizenship, hiring, and student support).
  • Help shape high-impact initiatives related to Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.
  • Strengthen accountability to Indigenous communities and Nations.

Indigenous Advisory Council

The Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) is a strategic body that provides advice to the senior administration of the university and others. It also advocates for initiatives to be undertaken by the university.Ìý Ìý

The Indigenous Advisory Council meets regularly to discuss strategic approaches to issues, processes and policies that impact Indigenous People across the University. Members of the Council discuss issues from diverse Indigenous perspectives while also bringing forward specialist knowledge and recommendations from their respective units.Ìý Ìý

Decisions and recommendations are brought forward to appropriate university bodies for consideration, approval and implementation.Ìý

External Indigenous Advisory Circle

This circle includes representatives from Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations across Mi’kma’ki and Wabanaki territory. The council advises the Vice-Provost on strategic directions, policies, and initiatives that impact Indigenous Peoples connected to »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥.

Contact the IAC

For information on the IAC, contact the OVPIR.

Email: kayler.mutyabule@dal.ca