Dr. Brian Thom

Professor

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Biography

Brian Thom's research explores critical intersections of Indigenous legal orders, governance, land rights, and colonial state power. He focuses on the dynamics of knowledge, culture, and place through award-winning, community-engaged scholarship, conducted in close collaboration with Indigenous communities in Coast Salish territories. His research integrates ethnographic, archaeological, and applied policy research approaches to support Indigenous self-determination and advance reconciliation. In 2023, Dr. Thom received Google's Geo Good Impact Award for his work in advocating for Indigenous land rights. He was recognized in 2021 as UVic's Provost's Engaged Scholar, an award honoring excellence in community-engaged research and teaching. His ongoing projects include collaborations with Indigenous legal scholars and municipal planning efforts, aiming to center Indigenous priorities and cultural landscapes in development processes. As the founder and director of UVic's Ethnographic Mapping Lab, Dr. Thom employs ethnographic methods and innovation in cartography to promote Indigenous knowledge and governance.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of Victoria • Victoria, BC, Canada

Chair of Provost’s Engaged Scholar in Anthropology, overseeing community-engaged research initiatives.

Awards

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Google Geo Good Impact Award

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Leadership Victoria Award

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UVic’s Provost’s Engaged Scholar

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Outstanding Community Outreach Award

Courses

Introduction to Engaged Practicing Anthropology Ethnographic Research Methods Ethnographic Approaches to Coast Salish Land, Law, and Culture Ethnographic Mapping and Indigenous Cartographies Honours Seminar Advanced Research Seminar on Space, Place, Knowledge, and Power Professional Development in Anthropology

Requirements for University of Victoria

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
GRE General
Verbal
Required:130
Quantitative
Required:130
Analytical Writing
Required:0
Overall
Required:0
Prerequisites
BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent Background in Mathematics with emphasis on Computer Science
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Intent
  • Professional CV
  • Two assessment reports
  • Unofficial transcripts
Specialization Notes

Department: Department of Computer Science. GRE is highly recommended for international students.