Equity and Inclusion Strategy Version 4
Land Acknowledgement
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver is situated on the traditional,
ancestral and unceded territory of the hÉ™nÌ“q Ì“ É™minÌ“É™mÌ“ speaking xwmÉ™θkwÉ™yÌ“É™m
(Musqueam) people. As members of the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS), we
deeply value the opportunity to be able to operate on this land and would like to
extend our gratitude to the traditional caretakers of the land. The AUS recognizes
the historical systems of colonization and dispossession, as well as the present
oppressive and inequitable structures that have led to inadequate housing and
health accessibility, as well as social ostracization against Indigenous peoples. The
AUS vows to acknowledge, honor, and respect the vitality of Indigenous
communities in our present and future successes and operations, as well as to
amplify dialogue surrounding Truth and Reconciliation.
What is the E and I Strategy?
The Equity and Inclusion (E&I) Department of the Arts Undergraduate Society (AUS) puts forth this bill to ensure that the AUS operations are equitable and effectively implement diversity, and inclusion. The AUS defines a safe environment as one supported by equitable structures, proactive policies, and accountability mechanisms that ensure all members of the Arts community can express their identities authentically and without fear of discrimination. The AUS is committed to creating a safe environment for people of all identities and backgrounds, which entails fulfilling the needs of communities including but not limited to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous communities, asylum seekers, racialized communities, and marginalized ethnic, religious, and national groups in club initiatives.
The E and I strategy provides standards for AUS operations to better embody and champion equity and inclusion within each of its departments. It outlines the principles, structures, and practices that define a safe and just AUS community. It provides actionable guidelines to empower marginalized groups and ensure that equity and inclusion are embedded across all operations.
