2020
Dr. Deborah Saucier
Originally from Saskatoon, Dr. Saucier is a proud Métis who is committed to advancing reconciliation on university campuses and in academia. As the president of Vancouver Island University, Dr. Saucier is working toward closing the education gap for Indigenous youth so they may achieve their full potential and strengthen their communities. Previously, she served as president of MacEwan University, where she worked to incorporate UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action into institutional decision making. She implemented both policy and physical changes on campus to ensure that Indigenous students saw their heritage reflected in campus spaces.
“A major focus for me as an administrator has been to change the narrative about who goes to university, which helps to move the needle and increase the number of women and Indigenous peoples in leadership positions.” – Dr. Deborah Saucier
