Dana Wesley brings extensive post-secondary and private sector experience to the role
College of the Rockies President and CEO Paul Vogt, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Wesley (Moose Cree First Nation) to the role of Executive Director, Indigenous Strategy and Reconciliation.
“Dana’s Indigenous experience in both post-secondary and the private sector will be valuable as we continue work shoulder to shoulder with our Indigenous partners,” said Vogt. “A commitment to truth and reconciliation is a key component of our 2-year Action Plan, and beyond, and I’m confident that with Dana’s leadership we will be in an even better position to strengthen our connection to Indigenous communities and students.”
Wesley, who holds both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Gender Studies most recently worked as National Senior Rights Officer (Indigenous Issues) with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in Ottawa. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Roberts/Smart Centre, a children’s mental health centre that delivers specialized treatment and clinical services to improve the lives of youth living with complex behavioural and emotional needs.
As Executive Director, Wesley will lead the Indigenous team, focusing on strategic planning, administration, and evaluation of the College’s Indigenous education services. She will also be responsible for spearheading advancements toward reconciliation in alignment with the College’s strategic directives and will collaborate regularly with First Nation and Metis leaders.
“The Ktunaxa Nation assisted us with the recruitment and hiring for the Executive Director position,” Vogt added. “We thank them for their contributions in filling this important role.”
Wesley began her role as Executive Director on Monday, February 14.
“I am excited to lead the College in creating a strategy that centers Indigenous knowledge and worldviews, which are vital to Indigenous resurgence,” she said. “I am honoured to begin working with Indigenous communities in the region who will be critical to this process. This is a strategy that will benefit the entire College, uplifting students and supporting faculty and staff.”
Learn more about College of the Rockies’ Indigenous services.
About College of the Rockies
For more than 45 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry, and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 full-time and part-time students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education, and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Deb Carty
VP, External Relations
College of the Rockies
dcarty@cotr.bc.ca