The Queen’s administrative team is expanding to advance inclusivity, equity, and reconciliation initiatives across campus.

Kanonhsyonne (Janice Hill) and Stephanie Simpson have accepted the inaugural positions of Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation) and Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion) respectively. In these roles, Ms. Hill and Ms. Simpson will work closely with Teri Shearer, Deputy Provost (Academic Operations and Inclusion), to provide strategic guidance on equity, inclusion, and Indigenous initiatives at Queen’s.

“I commend Kanonhsyonne and Ms. Simpson on their efforts to foster a more inclusive environment at Queen’s,” says Dr. Shearer. “In creating these Associate Vice-Principal positions, we are making a statement that our commitment to reconciliation, equity, and inclusion is unwavering and growing.” 

Since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Task Force and the Principal’s Implementation Committee on Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (PICRDI) reports 18 months ago, the university’s leadership team have worked diligently to implement the reports’ most pressing recommendations and advance the goals of equity and reconciliation at Queen’s.

Under Dr. Shearer’s guidance, the university has enhanced advocacy resources through the development of the University Council on Anti-Racism and Equity (UCARE), strengthened oversight processes and training opportunities to ensure the Queen’s community can fully engage in employment equity practices, and enhanced measures to support accountability through the development of the interim equity, diversity, and inclusion performance metrics.

In their previous roles as Director of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, and Executive Director (Human Rights and Equity Offices) and the University Advisor on Equity and Human Rights, Ms. Hill and Ms. Simpson have made significant contributions to the university’s ongoing inclusivity efforts. Elevating their positions to the level of Associate Vice-Principal ensures that they are well positioned to help shape the strategic initiatives of the university and advance equity, inclusion, and reconciliation alongside their fellow members of the Queen’s community.

These appointments are effective Thursday, Nov 1, 2018.