MBA in Advancing Reconciliation

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MBA in Advancing Reconciliation

The Master of Business Administration in Advancing Reconciliation is the world’s first MBA program focused on reconciliation. It is a custom program, offered in partnership with the University of Victoria and designed for experienced Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders in the social services non-profit sector.

The program equips students with management tools, strategic frameworks and the capacity to centre Indigenous knowledges in organizational practice. Its goal is to ultimately help create more inclusive, equitable and culturally-safe social services.

The MBA AR challenges conventional business education by centring Indigenous ways of being, knowing, doing, and relating, while responding directly to the priorities of BCAAFC and the Friendship Centre Movement.

My name is Annette Morgan. My traditional name is Nox Stikine from Gitanyow, B.C. As a matriarch, I am guided by my culture and community that inspired me to pursue the MBA in Advancing Reconciliation. I believe that by honouring our Indigenous laws and teachings, we can create pathways for meaningful change within the social sector, honouring a future where we thrive in a healthy environment.

Reflecting on my time at Gustavson, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped my understanding of reconciliation. Personally, the journey of completing my MBA has transformed me in ways I never anticipated. I have deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers our communities face and the imperative to address them through and Indigenous lens. This program has reinforced my belief that reconciliation is not just a concept; it is a call to action that requires us to engage with our communities and empower our people. I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to advocate for change with the wisdom of my ancestors guiding me.

Nox Stikine, Annette Morgan Executive Director, Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society, MBA AR 2025 Graduate

Partnership

The MBA AR is a custom program offered in partnership by BCAAFC and the Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. BCAAFC originally received funding for the program in 2022 as part of an $8.4 million investment from B.C.’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction aimed at creating a framework for meaningfully integrating reconciliation into the community social services sector.

Before the program even began, I experienced what true barrier reduction looks like. The Program facilitators welcomed us students with patience, empathy, and care, bringing food, removing obstacles, and creating an environment where support was offered before we even knew we needed it. That level of thoughtfulness set the tone for the entire program.

Taryn Campbell, MBA AR Graduate

Format

The MBA AR combines core business management education with specialized coursework in decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation. While adapted from Gustavson’s MBA in Sustainable Innovation, the MBA AR is uniquely tailored to the social services non-profit sector.

The program aims to build long-term capacity in social services organizations by equipping leaders with strategic, community-based, anti-racist competencies grounded in Indigenous worldviews. The program includes 8 academic blocks and an orientation block that introduces students to local territories, campus resources, team dynamics, and essential tools. Each block begins with a 5-day in-person residency to foster connection and land-based, collective learning. The rest of the course is delivered online.

Sample courses include:

“Trust, Truth & Traditional Justice”
“Accounting & Financial Responsibility”
“Strategic Collaboration & Partnership”

Program Schedule

Application Requirements

Students are established leaders across a range of organizations, including government agencies, Indigenous, and mainstream social services organizations from across British Columbia. They should have:

A bachelor’s degree with at least 2+ years of relevant experience OR, for applicants without a bachelor’s degree, 15+ years of experience in the social services sector (or a related field)
Support from their agency/employer

All applications are first reviewed by BCAAFC, before a select group are recommended to UVic for review under the university’s admissions process. Recommendation does not guarantee admission.

Please note: Due to the limited cohort sizes, the overall process is competitive, but uses a unique, holistic approach to consider applicants’ qualifications.

Only applicants from agencies approved by BCAAFC will be considered for participation in this program.

Applications for the 3rd cohort beginning Fall 2026 are closed.

As an autistic, Indigenous woman, this journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. The program pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate, and it reignited my passion for learning and leadership. It has encouraged me to continue my studies and explore new opportunities for education and advocacy. As Indigenous Peoples, we must lead our own change, conduct our own research, tell our own stories, and shape our futures on our own terms.

Julie Robertson, BCAAFC Director of Policy and Operations, BMBA AR Graduate

Support Available

We recognize that the application process can be time-intensive, and we are here to help. Support is available for:

Reviewing eligibility and readiness
Walking through the application requirements
Supporting completion of application materials
Answering any questions related to the program or admissions process

If you would like support, please contact Nuha Elgindi at execassist@bcaafc.com.

BCAAFC also proudly offers financial support for program fees.

MBA in Advancing Reconciliation