The president of Memorial University will be stepping back from her duties for six weeks after a number of questions were raised about her Indigenous ancestry.

Vianne Timmons confirmed last week that she is not Mi’kmaq and does not claim Indigenous identity.

In a statement this morning, Vianne Timmons says she has been reflecting on feedback from the Indigenous community and asked that the Board of Regents to permit her leave. During this time the Board of Regents will be looking into the president’s claims of Mi’kmaq heritage through an Indigenous-led roundtable.

Timmons says she regrets any hurt or confusion caused by sharing her story. She says she supports the process being undertaken by the board.

In the meantime, interim vice-president and pro-vice-chancellor Dr. Neil Bose will take over Timmons’ responsibilities.