David Varis

Background

About David Varis

Progressive experience (30 years federal public service) in managing human and financial resources within operational and headquarter settings. Leading, motivating, innovating, supervising and planning for units comprising ten employees up to an operational division of 125 staff. Extensive project management and research experience with Aboriginal projects including guiding Indigenizing the University of Prince Edward Island (2016-present), the preparation of high-level reports and summaries for the Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate, Correctional Service Canada (2014-2015), creation of a national research framework / agenda focusing on the needs of Aboriginal men (2012), the development, research and implementation of a national substance abuse treatment program for federally sentenced Aboriginal men (2003-2009), developing and delivering a learning program to Aboriginal youth for Veteran Affairs Canada’s Aboriginal Spiritual Journey (2005), and leading the Native Council of PEI's Community Mobilization Project focusing on women and children at risk funded by the National Crime Prevention Centre, Department of Justice Canada (2002). Multi-facet experience in leading and implementing projects and innovations for CSC, including international and national conferences for the Addictions Research Centre, the National Summer Institute on Addictions, national substance abuse research, and reintegration and case management initiatives. Extensive teaching experience in 1st and 2nd year sociology courses at two nationally-ranked Atlantic region universities (University of Prince Edward Island and Saint Thomas University). Developed and presently teaching a 3rd year Contemporary Aboriginal Issues and Perspectives course at UPEI as well as 3rd and 4th year Directed Studies courses. Developing, implementing, managing and monitoring case management, correctional programming, research, and substances abuse interventions within both federal and provincial jurisdictions.