UVic prof investigated by FBI

A University of Victoria professor was investigated by the FBI after she was accused of making “terroristic threats” at a November speech in Minnesota. Waziyatawin, who has only one name and is a member of the Dakota First Nation, was said to have made comments about reclaiming aboriginal lands “by any means necessary.”

She was investigated after a letter to the editor complaining about the lecture appeared in a local newspaper, but the FBI closed the file on Tuesday. “The FBI agent informed me he was closing the case after listening to the original presentation as it was clear I had not made the statement that a young, white male student had complained about,” Waziyatawin told the Victoria Times Colonist.

The FBI is not commenting on the case but a representative said that “When there’s a speech which is in the arena of violent rhetoric, the FBI will at least review that speech to make sure no state or federal laws have been violated.”

Waziyatawin, an associate professor, holds the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples at UVic.