The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC officially opened its Indigenous Student Space on Monday, October 27, 2025, marking a significant milestone in creating a welcoming and culturally affirming environment for Indigenous students.
Left to right: Elder Larry Grant, Dean Lalitha Raman-Wilms
The evening celebration, held from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to honour a space that has been years in the making. Spearheaded by faculty members Drs. Larry Leung and Jason Min, in collaboration with Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Manager Nadine Duke, the space marks a significant milestone in the Faculty and UPROOT Team’s commitment to Indigenous student support. The event opened with a Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) acknowledgement from Elder Larry Grant followed by remarks from the Dean and student representatives. Howard Grant spoke on behalf of Dr. Susan Point followed by Thom Cannell, Susan Point’s son, who offered insight into the significance of the artwork in relation to the space and its design.
The creation of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Indigenous Student Space was a response to many years of planning and valuable feedback from our Indigenous Student Supports Committee and Indigenous students who shared the need for a culturally safe, accessible, and affirming environment within the faculty. Their voices guided the vision for this space, and their insights and advocacy are appreciated.
"Students told us they didn't know who the other Indigenous students were in their classes, even though they wanted to connect," explained Dr. Min. "They remained invisible to each other."
"We recognized the need for a dedicated student space closer to where students study and attend classes, as the Longhouse can be a long walk—especially for those with tight schedules," shares Dr. Lalitha Raman-Wilms, Dean of the Faculty. "This dedicated space will also support cultural and land-based learning, with activities such as ribbon skirt making and traditional medicine workshops. The Indigenous Pharmacy Student Collegium (IPSC) will use the space for their meetings, further fostering community and connection."
Creating a Space for Belonging
The Indigenous Student Space addresses these needs by providing a physical location where students can:
- Connect with Indigenous peers and explore diverse expressions of Indigenous culture
- Feel safe, welcomed, and protected in their identity
- Access culturally relevant programming and support opportunities
- Find representation both among their peers and in co-curricular opportunities
"Having an Indigenous student space is incredibly important as it addresses complexities of Indigeneity," says Dr. Leung, emphasizing that Indigenous identity exists on a wide spectrum—from students very comfortable and involved with their culture to those who have just discovered their Indigenous background.
"We know as Indigenous students that we carry unique burdens—navigating colonial systems, managing stereotypes, and learning to grow in our Indigenous identity while balancing the demands of pharmacy school," says Natasha Woitte, year 2 Entry-to-Practice PharmD student.
Left to right: Dr. Susan Point, Howard Grant, Drs. Jason Min and Larry Leung
Art and Culture at the Heart of the Space
The vision of the space reflects Indigenous identity and culture, incorporating Indigenous art and furniture. The featured artwork is by renowned Musqueam artist Dr. Susan Point, whose pieces are displayed across UBC. Having a Musqueam artist was intentional, an honour to the land on which we are situated.
At the heart of the Indigenous Student Space is Pacific Salmon Forest – Spirit of the Northwest by Dr. Susan Point. This stunning triptych features eagles and salmon within the Pacific Salmon Forest—a landmark deeply rooted in Musqueam culture. The artwork symbolizes balance and vitality: the eagle represents power, intelligence, and spiritual connection, while the salmon signifies resilience, prosperity, and cultural richness. Together, they tell a powerful story of resilience and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The space also includes Goothl Ts'imɬx by Mike Dangeli, an artist of Nisga'a, Tlingit, Tsetsaut, and Tsimshian heritage. Gifted by Lu'ma Medical Centre and Indigicare Medicines during the Uprooting Pharmacy Gathering in July 2025, this piece represents partnership, knowledge-sharing, and community strength, with the copper shield symbolizing wisdom and resilience.
Additional cultural elements enrich the space, such as plaques featuring the UPROOT logo designed by Musqueam artist Debra Sparrow. Her design reflects traditional teachings and the story of land and water: the circle represents the spindle whorl and humanness, while inner patterns symbolize the fibres of earth and connections to healing. At its center are elements drawn from regalia and healing ceremonies, making the logo a visual narrative of spiritual connectedness.
Beyond the art, the space features furniture crafted by sux̌ʷm (Sookye-Oohm) Wood Creations, a traditional medicines cabinet, and shelves of cultural books. Guided by student feedback, the design uses natural and earthy tones to create a warm, home-like atmosphere that fosters comfort and belonging.
A Collaborative Vision
The Indigenous Pharmacy Student Support Committee (IPSSC) provided oversight throughout the project. Committee members include Indigenous pharmacists, students, community partners, Musqueam Nation representative, and the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives Manager.
The IPSC is a student-led group dedicated to supporting and connecting Indigenous students, playing an active role in identifying needs, developing protocols for space use, and assisting with procurement.
This initiative was made possible through the generous contributions of the McKesson Foundation and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences' Strategic Plan Implementation Investment Fund.
The space has been part of a broader vision for supporting Indigenous students at the Faculty for several years, representing a commitment to fostering an environment where all students can thrive academically while staying connected to their cultural identity.
The Faculty remains deeply committed to UBC’s role in advancing the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and to the full implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan. This space is one step forward in that journey, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.
"Having a dedicated space gives Indigenous students a foundation: a place to recharge, connect, and build each other up," shares Hailie White, year 2 Entry-to-Practice PharmD student. "This is an important part bridging culture and our profession as pharmacy students."
For more information about Indigenous initiatives at UBC's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, please click here.