Image Credit: TRU

By Dylana Kneeshaw

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

TRU and Tk’emlúps renew education agreement

Apr 16, 2021 | 8:32 AM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University and Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc (TteS) have renewed an agreement that will improve education opportunities for TteS students.

In a release Friday (Apri. 16), TRU says the updated relationship will increase access to the university and develop training and trades programs for TteS students.

The university and the band have agreed on nine commitments — ranging from event representation, to delivering programs that reflect the needs and worldview of Secwepemc people. For instance, a TteS representative will be seated on a subcommittee of the TRU Senate and the Secwepemce ancestral protocols will be reflected at all TRU ceremonies and events.

The two parties will also work to improve Indigenous student retention and graduation rates and incorporate Tk̓emlúpsemc knowledge, values and philosophy into programs.

Tk’emlups Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir says the agreement will help create an inclusive environment for all students.

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“This partnership fosters opportunities for our language, culture and knowledge to be showcased for the benefit and knowledge of all TRU staff, students and visitors. The partnership is done in the spirit of Kw’seltktnéws (we are all related and interconnected with nature, each other and all things) and for that, we are proud.”

Programs at the university’s campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake will also align with Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls for Action. The agreement states TteS have the “inherent right to education, including post-secondary education and will actively collaborate.”

“This renewed agreement is not just about public declarations, but also meaningful action to see the success of TteS students,” TRU President Brett Fairbairn states. “We know this is another step in our reconciliation journey with TteS and we look forward to implementing this agreement in the coming years.”

In addition, TRU has also committed to work with TteS in the event of any discovery of archaeological artifacts or cultural items found in any university land development.