Signing of the Okanagan Charter

Evidence demonstrates that people who are well are more productive, better able to engage in deeper learning, more likely to be retained and have a stronger sense of community.

As post-secondary leaders, we recognize that promoting health and well-being is essential to achieving our full potential in teaching and learning, research and engagement.

By adopting the Okanagan Charter, we commit to sharing in the Vision, implementing the two Calls to Action for Higher Education institutions, following the Guiding Principles as the means for translating the Charter into action and fulfilling our institution-specific commitments.

We further agree to participate in national and international university networks to activate the Charter to inform and support each other’s efforts.

• Embed health into all aspects of campus culture, across the administration, operations and academic mandates.
• Lead health promotion action and collaboration locally, nationally and globally.

• Focus on a system-wide integration, embedding health into all aspects of university life.
• Build on our community’s strengths to enhance well-being initiatives.
• Engage all stakeholders, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
• Build a sustainable culture of health, with action at multiple levels.
• Develop collaborations and partnerships across disciplines and sectors to strengthen our efforts.
• Promote research, innovation and evidence-informed action to continuously improve our efforts.