Land Acknowledgement – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm
UBC Dentistry acknowledges that we live, work, and learn as uninvited guests on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. For more information, please click here.
The Faculty of Dentistry recognizes the unique experiences, perspectives, and skills of Indigenous students. We care deeply about providing an enriching educational experience which we do through respecting and celebrating diverse perspectives in our program.
We want to welcome you to our community because you belong.
Your Place in Our Program
We recognize that a sense of belonging and shared identity is crucial for students to thrive in both the academic and dental communities. Accordingly, our various resources directed towards Indigenous support allow you to seek guidance, assistance, and support if needed. We are currently in the process of creating an Indigenous Mentorship Program, and our Indigenous Counsellor, Renée Avitan (she/her/hers), is also available if needed.
Entering the dental profession may seem daunting, but we would like to assure you that we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive space for our students. This is to say, your presence is valued in the Faculty of Dentistry.
Unique Perspectives
Our experiences impact our lives in every way – from our behaviour to our identity. But, they also influence our perspectives. UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry acknowledges the unique, and varying, perspectives of Indigenous students, and how they may shape your educational experience.
We encourage you to share your thoughts, perspective, and experiences, if you are comfortable, so we can work together towards building a stronger community for you, current, and future students.
Listening to, learning from, and emphasizing the belonging of Indigenous students is an essential aspect of maintaining an inclusive experience in the Faculty of Dentistry. Our community understands the power you, as a potential oral healthcare student, have to create change. So, we want to provide you with the tools to do just that.
Meet Our Students!
Check back soon!
Looking For a Mentor?
With our Peer Mentorship Program, you have the opportunity to be matched up with an Indigenous student currently enrolled in our faculty. Your mentor can aid with answering any questions or concerns you may have and help you through navigating the challenges of applying for the faculty.
If you are interested in being paired with a mentor, please contact Tanja Bogdanovic, Student Services Coordinator, at
studentservices@dentistry.ubc.ca.
Connect With Us
Learn More
Indigenous UBC Portal: This page provides information and resources for Indigenous students, including program advising information.
Indigenous Students at UBC: Learn more about the Indigenous student community at UBC here.
UBC Indigenous Handbook: If you are looking for information about our campus, community, plans for the future, or common questions regarding the application process, this handbook is for you!
- Read it here: 2022_UBCIndigenousHandbook [PDF File]
First Nations House Of Learning: The First Nations House of Learning (FNHL) is based in the First Nations Longhouse, located at 1985 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2. There, Indigenous students can find notable initiatives and resources such as:
- Student meals
- Tutoring sessions (based on demand)
- Accredited counsellors
- Student health nurse (weekly)
- Student financial advisor (weekly)
- And more!
Vancouver Indigenous Student Collegia (VISC): the VSIC is open to any Indigenous student who identifies as Indigenous, providing an opportunity to engage with peers and upper-year students, ask questions, learn about resources, and enjoy social events together. First-year Indigenous students are encouraged to participate in UBC Collegia, while Indigenous students at all levels are welcome at šxʷta:təχʷəm Collegium, located at the UBC First Nations Longhouse.
Indigenous Strategic Plan: UBC is taking steps to contribute to the advancement of Indigenous peoples’ human rights. This plan sets out a series of eight goals and 43 actions the university will collectively undertake. The plan was created with input from more than 2,500 students, faculty, and staff across our campuses – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – as well as from Indigenous community partners.
- Read it here: Indigenous Strategic Plan [PDF File]
Learn more about the Musqueam Post, sʔi:ɬqəy̓ qeqən (double-headed serpent post), pictured in the banner above, here