Turpel-Lafond voluntarily returns honorary doctorate to VIU

Dr Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond has voluntarily returned her Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Vancouver Island University, report CBC and Victoria News. The decision was reportedly made after VIU informed Turpel-Lafond that the institution would be moving forward with a process initiated by requests from members of the university community and the Indigenous Women’s Collective. The university is currently developing an Indigenous Identity Policy and reviewing honorary doctorate policies and procedures. The Vancouver Sun reports that the University of British Columbia recently issued a statement saying it regrets how it responded to questions about former professor Turpel-Lafond. UBC is now reviewing its processes around Indigenous status.