The Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives) is the senior administrative officer responsible for Aboriginal academic programming, Aboriginal student support services, and Aboriginal community relations. The Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives) reports to the Provost & Vice-President (Academic), and works together with Deans’ Council and Lakehead University Senate (for academic programming), the Vice-Provost for Student Affairs (for student support services), and the Aboriginal Management Council (for community relations) to implement Lakehead University’s mission-specific commitment “to working with Aboriginal peoples in furthering their educational aspirations.” The VP (AI) heads the Office of Aboriginal Initiatives. More specifically, AI facilitates a centralized cooperative approach to Aboriginal programming, external community liaison, and services to students offered on and off campus. The mandate of this office is to provide leadership in Aboriginal development and to advance, within the University community, an understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage, and language through activities which heighten the awareness of Aboriginal issues and identity.