A former member of the Vancouver Community College Board of Governors is speaking out about a CTV News investigation that revealed a man with a lengthy list of convictions for sex crimes against children managed to get hired at the school. As the only Indigenous person on the board at the time, Haida Nation member Nadia Belokopitov said she was surprised to learn the school had appointed a new Elder-in-Residence in 2020 without consulting her. “The role of the elder is … to serve the students and to make sure that you’re looking after them spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally so that they can succeed in school,” she said. John Sam would serve in the role for five years before suddenly being let go when administrators learned of his dark past. His criminal convictions include touching a person under 14 for a sexual purpose, rape, and sexual assault with a weapon—all against minor victims. CTV News spoke with Sam by phone last week, and he suggested his crimes were in the past and questioned why there was renewed media attention on him. “All of this is impacting my life, as well. You know that,” he said. Belokopitov left her role on VCC’s board in 2024 and says it was a year later that community members began to ask her about Sam’s criminal history as he was scheduled to appear at an Indigenous-led Mother’s Day event. Curious, she began researching his background, and upon learning the graphic details of his crimes she shared what she knew with a former colleague who still worked at the college. Belokopitov said she understands the importance of the elder role for First Nations students, many of whom may be far from their home communities for the first time and adjusting to city and academic life. She said that’s why properly vetting candidates is critical. “These colleges and academic institutions, or whatever organizations, probably need to go to someone well-known in the community and ask them, ‘We want to hire this person as an elder, what kind of work have they done in the community at the grassroots level?’” Belokopitov said. VCC did not make anyone available for an interview. In an emailed statement, the school said CEO and President Ajay Patel disputes Belokopitov’s version of events. It said the school relied on referrals and engagement with Indigenous partners, who served and worked within urban Indigenous communities, to identify prospective Elders. “Prior to engagement, VCC obtained documented experience and references of the prospective elders, detailing their work in the community as Elders/Knowledge Holders,” the school said. “VCC did consult with our Indigenous board member at the time amongst other Indigenous community members.” After CTV News first reported on Sam’s time working in the school, VCC posted an internal message to staff and students outlining changes to its hiring practices. It said it had added an additional level of vetting that includes consultation with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsliel-Waututh Nations, along with Metis Nation British Columbia.
