National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA)

Advancing Indigenous leadership in higher education: Meet NIUSLA

The National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ Association (NIUSLA) is a growing network of more than 40 Indigenous senior administrators — Presidents, Vice‑Provosts, Deans — across Canadian universities, colleges and faculties. Co‑chaired by Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann (First Nations University of Canada) and Dr. Michael Hart (University of Calgary), NIUSLA was launched in early 2022 to foster peer support, collaborative leadership and systemic progress at the senior levels of academia.

The focus of NIUSLA’s work is supporting its members through peer mentorship, collaborative learning and the exchange of best practices that address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous senior leaders in Canadian universities. Its members bring deep expertise in Indigenous education and community engagement and play critical roles in shaping institutional direction and policy. NIUSLA provides a space for these leaders to share experiences, develop leadership strategies and advocate for systemic change — ensuring Indigenization efforts across the sector move beyond symbolic commitments to meaningful action.

Supporting sector-wide transformation

In addition to providing a vital support network, NIUSLA advocates for meaningful institutional transformation. It plays a vital role in advancing Indigenous leadership and driving systemic change across Canada’s post-secondary sector. Beyond offering peer support and mentorship, it advocates for real institutional transformation — pushing universities to move beyond symbolic gestures and embed accountability in policies, hiring, procurement and student services. Its members are also actively engaged in national conversations about Indigenous identity, leadership succession and the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This work complements Universities Canada’s priorities around equity, reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion. By strengthening the sector’s capacity to embed Indigenous perspectives at every level — NIUSLA ensures that Indigenous leaders have a seat at decision-making tables and that institutions are equipped to meet reconciliation goals in practice, not just in principle.

As the association continues to grow, NIUSLA contributes to a more responsive, inclusive and future-ready post-secondary education system — one where Indigenous leadership is not only supported but centered.

To learn more about NIUSLA and their important work advancing Indigenous leadership in higher education, visit their website.