2025 CapU Alumni Awards: Irwin Oostindie

His commitment to lifelong learning is integral to his mission. “A lot of education has become an industry and dependent on international student fees, but at its essence, education is a pillar of a free society,” he notes. “I approach education with the aim of improving myself while contributing to the collective good.”

Oostindie frequently applies his learning through participatory action research and advocating for academic freedom. He’s collaborated with local non-profits to use new research methods to tackle entrenched societal problems, contributing to positive change in marginalized communities.

“In the tradition of academic freedoms and free speech, I am grateful to be a lifelong learner and social sciences scholar, carrying on these traditions – which are increasingly under threat,” he says.

Decolonizing conservation and urban planning

A graduate of CapU’s Post-Graduate Certificate in Media Arts, Oostindie’s academic journey also included studies in Liberal Arts and Marketing Management, which laid the foundation for his diverse career.

Early on, he co-created Under the Volcano, Canada’s largest annual political arts festival centred around intersectionality and Indigenous solidarity. The experience cemented his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for social change.

Today, Oostindie serves as Vice-President of the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia, where his work focuses on decolonizing conservation practices and advocating for landback.

Leading efforts to return control of the 256-acre Maplewood Flats Conservation Area to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, he has helped position the Trust as the first non-profit in Western Canada to take tangible steps toward Indigenous governance of conservation lands.

“When I became leader of the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia it was for one purpose only – to decolonize the organization and return 256 acres of land to Tsleil-Waututh Nation control.”

The Trust is now the first non-profit in western Canada to surrender control to a local First Nation. “By focusing on redress – not the performative reconciliation – we were laser sharp with our goal,” says Oostindie.

“By emphasizing policy and governance change instead of delivering a program, we set ourselves up for structural change. We now want to influence the broader conservation sector across B.C.”

His passion for decolonization also informs his work as Director of Voor Urban Labs, a consultancy focused on rethinking urban planning through community-driven, equity-centered approaches.

“The urban lab model brings together a cluster of specialists to tackle complex problems,” says Oostindie. “This approach aligns with Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, creating solutions that are equitable and sustainable.”

Championing urban Indigenous rights

Through his work, Oostindie remains committed to breaking down barriers and supporting underrepresented communities.

One of his most impactful projects has been working alongside urban Indigenous leaders to advance a rights-based framework for over one million Indigenous people living in Canadian cities.

“With 80% of Indigenous people now living in urban centres, our work is about ensuring their rights are respected without diminishing the rights of First Nations communities,” he says. “It’s an honour to do this work while continually unlearning my own settler biases.”

A legacy of learning at CapU

Reflecting on his time at Capilano University, Oostindie credits his involvement in student politics and journalism with shaping his skills as a project leader. This connection has endured, with several of his family members also attending CapU.

“It’s definitely been a family affair,” he laughs. “My dad attended ElderCollege, my daughter was in daycare, and my mother and five other family members all graduated from different programs. CapU has played a huge role in our lives.”