Dana-Lyn Mackenzie joins the Faculty of Forestry as Senior Manager for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity. This is a shared position with the Faculties of Applied Science and Land and Food Systems, where Dana-Lyn has already served in this role for several years.
Dana-Lyn (born Wilson) is a member of the Hwlitsum First Nation, based in Canoe Pass, BC, and a lawyer. Dana-Lyn is an elected councillor of her Coast Salish nation, serving since 2021. She is a double alumna of UBC, having obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees.
Dana-Lyn is expected to a play key part in helping to set the strategic direction of the Faculty of Forestry in implementing the Indigenous Strategic Plan across our research, educational, and community engagement programs.
Earlier this year, Dana-Lyn was awarded the 2024 UBC President’s Staff Award for Advancing Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence for her significant contributions through education, advocacy, policy guidance, and the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) within UBC.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m a mom, lawyer, partner, and daughter. I grew up in Steveston, BC and feel deeply connected to the land south of the Fraser where my family fished since time immemorial.
What inspired you to pursue your current work, particularly in the areas of law, Indigenous advocacy, and education?
My daughters inspired me. I wanted to be a role model for them, and show them what they could do with their lives. I went to law school when they were five and two, and they are the reason for everything I do.
Through your work at UBC, what are the key goals you hope to achieve, particularly in supporting Indigenous communities and advancing equity?
I have been a part of the UBC community since I was a child, and my mom went to school and took us to her classes. Later we lived in student housing when my parents separated. Over the years, I have seen many changes here at UBC and moving the dial on how the university responds to calls for reconciliation has been a long-standing passion of mine.
I want everyone who attends, works and lives here to know the history and understand whose land we are on when we are here, and understand why that is important. I want engagement with the Indigenous Strategic Plan to be meaningful and genuine.
What initially attracted you to UBC, and what excites you about the opportunities within the Faculty of Forestry?
UBC is a place I love. I did both my degrees here, and have worked here in different roles on and off since 2012. UBC can be the most progressive, advanced place and the opportunity to do meaningful work here is tremendous. The Faculty of Forestry is an exciting place to be with the new Bachelor’s of Indigenous Land Stewardship beginning, and existing programs such as the Haida Gwaii Institute among others being a draw.
How will you use your experience in other faculties in your work with UBC Forestry?
I have worked across several faculties and can bring a lot of institutional knowledge to Forestry.
I lead institutional events such as the Intergenerational March for Orange Shirt Day on September 30th each year, and bringing Forestry into this work benefits everyone.
As you begin your work within the Faculty of Forestry, what are you most excited about, and what do you hope to accomplish?
I am very excited about learning where everyone is at in relation to the ISP and what actions we can take together to work towards reconciliation. I am excited to get to know a new group of people and I hope that I can be in a position to assist where needed, and help showcase some exciting initiatives – such as the IDEAL certificate – to a new audience in Forestry.