We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo as Director of Indigenous Initiatives, effective April 17, 2017.

In response to the report of the University of Toronto’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Steering Committee, we expressed the need for building capacity at the University of Toronto as an essential precondition for our collective efforts toward reconciliation. Reporting jointly to the Vice-President & Provost, and the Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity, the Director of Indigenous Initiatives will work towards the implementation of initiatives that support reconciliation between the University and Indigenous people and communities.

Jonathan has a long-standing history of leadership in Aboriginal education and community at U of T – as a staff member, student, and educator. Jonathan has brought his expertise to many advisory committees at U of T, the city, and the province. He currently serves as Director of Aboriginal Student Services at First Nations House, and as Coordinator of U of T’s Council of Aboriginal Initiatives. He also co-chaired U of T’s TRC Steering Committee, where his experience and relationships across our three campuses were vital to producing a moving and impactful report. He has also served on the Toronto Police Services Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit’s advisory committee; the Council of Ontario Universities’ Self-Identification and Future Further working groups; the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities’ Aboriginal Post-Secondary Framework working group; and the Toronto Urban Native Ministry.

Jonathan grew up in Kahnawake, QC (Mohawk Nation) and holds degrees from Concordia University (BAdmin), York University (B.Ed.), and Victoria University (MTS).

The Director’s mandate is to listen, coordinate, advise, and collaborate with academic and non-academic communities in addressing the Steering Committee’s calls to action. More specifically, the Director will engage Indigenous people in and outside of the University in the mission of the University, broadly intersecting with such areas as teaching and learning, student experience, faculty and staff recruitment and engagement, and community-based research. In addition, the Director will Co-Chair the Council of Aboriginal Initiatives.

Please join us in welcoming Jonathan to this new role.