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Okanagan College has signed a commitment with several First Nations and Metis partners to ensure that there is a focus on indigenous education at the school.
The partnership recognizes the school’s responsibility and commitment to education and collaboration with Aboriginal communities. The Indigenous Education Protocol was developed by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICAN) through its Indigenous Education Committee. That committee was chaired by Ken Tourand, President of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. It was signed last Thursday as part of the Seventh Annual Powwow at the College’s Kelowna campus.
“Okanagan College has been strengthening our service and connection to the First Nations and Metis of our region over the past decade,” said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “We have seen significant growth in the number of Aboriginal students who choose our institution for their education. Last year, we had 1,535 Aboriginal students attend OC, more than three times the number who attended in 2005-06.”
In recent years the school has introduced several programs specifically focused on Aboriginal learners and collaborated with bands individually and jointly on a number of projects.
“While that is heartening, we know there is much yet to be done,” added Hamilton, “We can do more in terms of access and supporting student success, and in working with bands and friendship centres, Metis groups and other associations to learn indigenous knowledge, culture and traditions for the benefit of all.”
Okanagan College was joined at the signing ceremony by representatives of the Okanagan Indian Band, the Metis Association of Salmon Arm, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, the Westbank First Nation, and the Metis Community Service Society of BC.
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