The Master of Business Administration in Advancing Reconciliation (MBAAR) is the world’s first custom MBA in Indigenous Reconciliation. Advancing Reconciliation was co-developed in partnership by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) and the University of Victoria’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business.
Advancing Reconciliation focuses on dialogue, knowledge sharing, and actionable steps to move past colonial structures within the social economy and towards Indigenous-informed organizational models.
The program critically examines barriers faced by Indigenous peoples accessing mainstream social services and centers Indigenous-led solutions and Indigenous-defined metrics for success to inform the steps needed to achieve inclusivity and cultural safety in the sector.
The MBAAR program will be offered three times:
Cohort 1: May 2023 to May 2025 – Convocation will be held in June 2025
Cohort 2: May 2024 to May 2026 – Convocation will be held in June 2026
Cohort 3: May 2025 to May 2027 – Convocation will be held in June 2027
Eligibility Checklist
One application per organization. Applicants must live in B.C. and work full-time with an:
- Indigenous Friendship Centre;
- Social service sector agency; or,
- Government agency that provides social services to Indigenous people.
Supporting documents should indicate:
- The applicant’s employer must provide a letter of support showing that they are in full support of the employee participating in the MBAAR program and that the employee will be able to commit to the time (in-class, on-line and study time).
- Applications must show that travel costs (including travel, accommodation, meals, etc.) to and from the University of Victoria will be covered by either the employer or the applicant.
- The applicant must show that they have knowledge of Indigenous cultures and history and that their employer has experience with and a commitment to providing culturally-appropriate services to Indigenous peoples.
- The applicant must show that their organization is committed to a reconciliation strategic plan.
NOTE: If an applicant leaves their current place of employment at any time during the program they may no longer qualify to remain in the program.
Application Details
- Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of direct work experience within the social service and/or the non-profit sectors that provides services to Indigenous people within British Columbia.
- The program is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation personally and within their organization.
- While an undergraduate degree is preferred, recognition of work experience within community will be considered.
- Seating is limited. Awards are available to cover tuition and some travel.
Required Documents
To apply to the MBAAR program the following documents will be required:
- Current Resume
- Original transcript/s – From prior institutions or universities. Please order these as soon as possible. You can arrange to have digital official copies forwarded to garo@uvic.ca or, if this option is not available, sent by mail to: Graduate Admissions and Records, University of Victoria, PO Box 3025, Victoria, BC V8W 3P2
- Two letters of reference – At least one should describe your connection/s to the Indigenous community. Please notify your referees that you will be requesting a letter. UVIC will send them an email directly so that it can be uploaded to your online application.
- Support letter from your employee – A letter from your employee to demonstrate their full support of your participation in this program.
- An essay on the following topic – What is your personal commitment to reconciliation and how has your organization/agency demonstrated their commitment towards a plan to advance reconciliation? (500 words)
Program Format
The MBA in Advancing Reconciliation program is a combination of intense in-person classes, on-line sessions, and self-study with comprehensive reading materials, group projects and individual assignments.
Students are required to complete 21 courses over 6 terms. Students will be in class for approximately 36 days total (6 days per term/block) over two years. In-person classes will be held at UVIC campus and in different locations in the Lower Mainland.
On-line sessions will vary from course to course and will be announced by the instructors. A detailed draft study plan will be provided.
