Five projects led by UBC Okanagan students, staff, faculty were awarded $15,000 dollars in total funding through the university’s Equity Enhancement Fund.
This year’s projects and initiatives focus on diverse areas – Indigeneity, cultural diversity, and hands-on social programs – and support education, research, and community engagement and development.
Monica Good, a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, received funding to host a symposium in Oaxaca, Mexico, which aims to examine and highlight the importance of Indigenous interpreters within the justice system.
“You can easily translate French to English, and you can easily translate Spanish to English, but Indigenous languages are descriptive and complex. This is why we need to address the lack of interpreters in the legal system,” says Monica, as she reflects on her research.
“All individuals should have a right to an interpreter, regardless of their situation. We’re hopeful this symposium will bring together activists and interpreters to celebrate the important interpretation work and research going on globally.”
“It’s always inspiring to see the creativity and innovation that emerges from our campus community, and we’re thankful that this fund is in place to make those ideas come to life,” says Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Vice-President, Equity & Inclusion.
“It’s great to see there is campus-wide interest and engagement in building a more inclusive UBC.”
Following the symposium in Mexico, Monica aims to present the findings in the fall at UBC Okanagan.
The annual call for funding applications is in January and is open to all students, staff, and faculty.
The fund supports initiatives that help advance UBC’s strategic commitment inclusion, facilitate collaboration and innovation, and build a diverse campus culture.
An evaluation committee, convened by the Equity & Inclusion Office, assessed each of the applications and awarded the funding.