Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kristin Wilson (Kozar)

Delta,BC

Summary

Dynamic Executive Director and PhD researcher dedicated to advancing Indigenous data sovereignty and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems within colonial frameworks. Committed to supporting First Nations, with expertise in navigating complex administrative landscapes to empower self-determined community objectives. Proven ability to translate high-level strategies into actionable outcomes, exemplified by successful initiatives such as facilitating collective access to residential school records under FIPPA and respectfully documenting the oral truths of Survivors. Recognized as a collaborative leader and national speaker, focused on fostering community well-being through mutual accountability, strategic advocacy, and trauma-informed stewardship.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Director

UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
Vancouver, BC
10.2023 - 06.2025
  • Analyzed and integrated key frameworks such as TRC, UNDRIP, and MMIWG into strategic development to advance IRSHDC objectives.
  • Cultivated relationships with diverse stakeholders to champion and further the mission of IRSHDC.
  • Facilitated strategic initiatives and project decisions to improve operational effectiveness.
  • Created and maintained a supportive atmosphere focused on trauma-informed practices and survivor-centered approaches to fulfill center's mandate related to TRC initiatives and materials.
  • Oversaw a team of professionals, promoting collaboration to drive the successful execution of the IRSHDC's strategic mandate.
  • Crafted and applied comprehensive strategies to enhance the recognition of indigenous rights throughout organizational operations.
  • Analyzed IRS policies and Indigenous community concerns to enhance IRSHDC's effectiveness in addressing the needs of UBC faculty, staff, students, and Indigenous survivor organizations.
  • Led operational strategy development to enhance efficiency and streamline processes across multiple departments.
  • Implemented key performance indicators to monitor and improve team productivity and operational success.
  • Mentored senior management teams, providing guidance on best practices in operational leadership and decision-making.
  • Managed budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting to ensure optimal resource allocation while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • Championed a culture of continuous improvement, empowering employees to identify and address inefficiencies or areas for potential growth proactively.

Sessional Instructor

UBC iSchool
Vancouver, BC
09.2022 - 06.2025

COURSE: LIBR 564/ARST 585 – Information Practice and Protocol in Support of Indigenous Initiatives

  • Developed and implemented innovative curriculum for diverse learner groups.
  • Facilitated engaging classroom discussions that enhanced student participation and learning outcomes.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to enhance instructional delivery and student engagement.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
  • Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.

Indigenous Engagement and Programming Manager

UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
Vancouver, BC
04.2020 - 12.2022
  • Fostered connections with indigenous communities to support the development and implementation of the oral testimony program.
  • Established and maintained active communication channels with Indigenous units at UBC, promoting responsive interactions for relationship development.
  • Analyzed residential school records and conducted research to inform policy development and improve practices.
  • Collaborated with community leaders to establish and implement oral testimony program grounded in indigenous protocols.
  • Designed and launched an indigenous engagement initiative that supports UBC’s commitment to its indigenous strategic plan.
  • Engaged diverse audiences through numerous speaking events focused on the historical and social implications of residential schools.
  • Led programming initiatives to enhance educational resources on Indian residential school history.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic outreach programs.
  • Facilitated workshops and training sessions for staff on programming best practices.
  • Mentored junior staff on project management techniques and professional development strategies.
  • Assisted in recruitment efforts by interviewing candidates and identifying top talent to join the programming team, contributing to a strong workforce foundation.
  • Maintained thorough documentation throughout the development process for efficient knowledge transfer among team members as well as future reference purposes.

Corporate Resource Manager

Re:Function Health Group
Richmond, BC
09.2010 - 12.2020
  • Oversaw recruitment processes and implemented training strategies to enhance employee onboarding.
  • Conducted strategic discussions with stakeholders to secure partnership agreements.
  • Streamlined file and database management, resulting in improved accessibility of records. Enhanced website and document maintenance, contributing to better information dissemination. Delivered insightful analysis and calculations for internal reports, driving informed business decisions.
  • Established and maintained robust information management systems and governance protocols for corporate records, ensuring compliance and efficient data retrieval.
  • Managed resource allocation to optimize operational efficiency across multiple departments.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for staff to enhance skill sets and performance.
  • Collaborated with leadership to align resources with strategic initiatives and organizational goals.
  • Served as a key point of contact for both internal stakeholders and external partners on matters relating to resource availability and allocation, fostering strong relationships built on trust and transparency.
  • Established strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating favorable contract terms and securing cost-effective resources for the organization.
  • Mentored junior staff members in effective resource management techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
  • Conducted thorough skills assessments to match personnel with appropriate projects, optimizing team performance.

Research Associate

Chinook Technology
Vancouver, BC
09.2016 - 04.2019
  • Analyzed potential blockchain solutions for empowering indigenous communities in data management and sovereignty.
  • Investigated the influence of colonial information systems on indigenous data practices and cultural heritage.
  • Facilitated discussions at numerous events focused on the importance of indigenous data sovereignty and effective information frameworks.
  • Examined and articulated the effects of colonial information systems on indigenous epistemologies to enhance understanding.
  • Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to support ongoing research initiatives.
  • Developed and maintained databases for tracking experimental results and data analysis.
  • Led efforts to improve research methodologies, enhancing overall project efficiency.
  • Presented research outcomes at conferences, effectively communicating complex findings to diverse audiences.
  • Assisted in the development of new research proposals, resulting in increased funding opportunities and project growth potential.
  • Implemented standardized documentation practices across the team to enable easier collaboration between researchers.

Research Associate

UBC Aboriginal Health
Vancouver, BC
01.2006 - 10.2007
  • Collaborated with director and associate director to investigate health care requirements in indigenous communities in BC. Led efforts in creating a course for medical students at UBC.
  • Collaborated on incorporating key findings into UBC medical course structure and content.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and execute research protocols.
  • Analyzed experimental data, ensuring accuracy and consistency in reporting findings.
  • Gathered, arranged, and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
  • Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to inform study designs and methodology decisions.
  • Presented research findings at industry conferences, increasing visibility for the organization.

Education

Ph.D. - First Nation Studies And Canadian Studies

University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
04-2006

Master of Arts - Library And Information Science

University of British Columbia
Vancouver
08-2018

Bachelor of Arts - First Nation Studies And Canadian Studies

University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
04-2006

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Project management
  • Operations management
  • Relationship building
  • Staff management
  • Grant writing
  • Team bonding
  • Performance feedback

Accomplishments

  • Keynote Speaker: Indigenous Data Sovereignty and AI, MILA Conference, (2025)
  • Keynote Speaker: Indigenous Data Sovereignty and AI BC Library Association Conference, (2025)
  • Keynote Speaker: Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Digital Tools
    Crossing Fonds Conference, (2024)
  • Speaker: Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Democracy Exchange Summit, (2024)
  • Keynote Speaker: Oral Testimony Gathering, Ministry of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation, (2023)
  • Keynote Speaker: Residential School Records: Where Are They?
    Archives Association of BC, (2023)
  • Speaker: Oral Testimony and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Indigenous History & Heritage Gathering Inaugural Conference, (2023)
  • Keynote Speaker: Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Residential School Records, National Gathering on Unmarked Burials (2023)
  • Speaker: Decolonizing the Archive, Association of Canadian Archivists at UBC, (2022)
  • Speaker: Indian Hospital Records, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), (2022)
  • Speaker: Indian Hospital Records, BC Métis Nation, (2022)
  • Speaker: Data Sovereignty for Indigenous Sovereignty, Association of Canadian Archivists Conference, (2018)

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Executive Director

UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
10.2023 - 06.2025

Sessional Instructor

UBC iSchool
09.2022 - 06.2025

Indigenous Engagement and Programming Manager

UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
04.2020 - 12.2022

Research Associate

Chinook Technology
09.2016 - 04.2019

Corporate Resource Manager

Re:Function Health Group
09.2010 - 12.2020

Research Associate

UBC Aboriginal Health
01.2006 - 10.2007

Ph.D. - First Nation Studies And Canadian Studies

University of British Columbia

Master of Arts - Library And Information Science

University of British Columbia

Bachelor of Arts - First Nation Studies And Canadian Studies

University of British Columbia
Kristin Wilson (Kozar)