Darren Thomas renewed as Laurier’s associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives

April 17, 2026

Wilfrid Laurier University has re-appointed Darren Thomas to a second five-year term as associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives, beginning July 1, 2026. As the most senior Indigenous leader at Laurier, Thomas advances the university’s goals related to Indigeneity, providing strategic advice to academic and administrative departments and supporting Indigenous students, staff and faculty to reach their highest potential.

“Dr. Thomas is a trusted and respected leader who is making a difference for students, faculty, staff and the entire institution,” says Heidi Northwood, provost and vice-president: academic. “Under his leadership, the Laurier community will continue to learn and take steps to be a more welcoming and supportive institution for Indigenous community members.”

Thomas was appointed Laurier’s inaugural associate vice-president of Indigenous Initiatives in July 2021. In his first term, he developed an Indigenous Strategic Plan, oversaw the Indigenous identity verification process, restructured and stabilized the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and supports for Indigenous students, strengthened the Indigenous Education Council, and guided the success of MarketFest.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve in the role of AVP. The opportunity to help shape the Laurier community to being a rich, vibrant, and welcoming space for all has been a rewarding challenge,” says Thomas. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen both internal and external partnerships to ensure that Laurier’s efforts and commitment to Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation are met.”

Thomas is an associate professor in Laurier’s Indigenous Studies program whose research interests include Indigenous thought and philosophy, rights, resource governance and self-determination. He joined Laurier in 2006 as the coordinator of community service-learning, later becoming an Indigenous Studies liaison officer and then the university’s Aboriginal scholar in residence, before joining the Faculty of Liberal Arts in 2017.