Lil’wat Nation Elder and distinguished academic Dr. Lorna Williams has demonstrated there was not historically a word for ‘education’ in indigenous languages. There were many words for learning and its role across the lifespan of indigenous communities and their members. Education however, was something that was introduced as a tool for colonization.
The residential school system stands out as a shameful example.
The path towards truth and reconciliation to address this legacy of education in B.C. has been long. It has been forged by indigenous people showing incredible strength and resilience in their commitment to justice for their communities. Their efforts have resulted in changes over the years that begin to incorporate Aboriginal forms of knowledge and learning across educational systems.
An example in the post-secondary education system is the Coastal Corridor Consortium (C3) funded through the Ministry of Advanced Education. This organization was established in 2007 and consists of nine partners including five First Nations: Squamish, Sechelt, Lil’wat, Tseil Waututh, and Musqueam and three post-secondary institutions. The goals include better access to quality higher education and the creation of programs that meet the needs of Aboriginal learners and their communities.
Capilano University is one of the C3 post-secondary institutions. The C3 funding supports activities that enhance Aboriginal learners’ educational experiences. Other goals at Capilano University include the recent completion of an Aboriginal Student Success Strategy for our campuses. This work was primarily done by David Kirk and his colleagues through the First Nations Student Services at Capilano University. It is an important component to the implementation of the university’s strategic plan.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, our regional campus has a history of collaboration with the Sechelt Nation. The most recent example is partnering to deliver the Indigenized Education Assistant Program. The majority of students in this cohort are from the Sechelt Nation. Features of the program have included an Elder-in-Residence, a weekly cultural sharing circle and a collaborative weaving by a Sechelt Nation artist now housed on campus. Many of these students will go on to employment supporting the next generation of Aboriginal students.
It is rewarding to see the benefits for the whole campus community as we move towards what Williams calls the ‘weaving of two worlds’ in our learning environments.
For more information on the C3 go to: http://www.allnationscoast.net/coastal-corridor-consortium.html, or see this blog: http://yourdailycap.ca/honouring-indigenous-knowledge/.
And for more information on Capilano University’s Aboriginal Success Strategy, go to http://www.capilanou.ca/Aboriginal-Student-Success-Strategy-.html.
Editor’s note: Campus Corner is a monthly column in cooperation with Capilano University with a voice and trends around post-secondary education in B.C.
