Capilano University and the shíshálh Nation signed a historic agreement at kálax-ay, the Sunshine Coast campus, last week. The Affiliation Agreement Regarding Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities formalizes and expands on existing collaboration between Capilano University and the shíshálh Nation.
Shíshálh singers and drummers Landon Dixon and Andy Johnson opened the ceremony, during which invited guests heard from several speakers before the official signing of the agreement.
Julia Denholm, Capilano University’s dean of kálax-ay, told the invited guests that the agreement came about thanks to work done by Ashley Joe, education and employment manager for the shíshálh Nation, and Capilano University counsellor and program developer Jules Smith.
“Together Ashley and Jules must be given credit for envisioning and creating this agreement and shepherding it through the approval process,” Denholm said.
Joe was first of the guest speakers.
“The signing of this affiliation agreement is historic and significant, especially considering the negative impacts that the residential school legacy has had on our people. The legacy of the residential school system has cast a dark shadow over education in this country and it has not been easy for our people to get an education,” Joe said.
“Having this agreement will support our efforts in ensuring a positive, rewarding educational experience for our students.”
Joe said she was proud of the work that she and Smith did together.
“Her efforts have helped pave the way for our students and we are going to build on those efforts as we move forward,” Joe said.
Shíshálh Nation Chief Warren Paull said the agreement aims “to foster the success of shíshálh students and, in turn, increases our capacity as a self-governing nation.” He thanked Capilano University for supporting “the vision we have for educating our people.”
Toran Savjord, Capilano University’s vice president of Strategic Planning and Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness, acknowledged the shíshálh Nation for partnering on “this learning adventure.” He read an excerpt of the agreement which said that the university and shíshálh Nation “are committed to the continuing existence and future growth of academic programs and to make a difference by working together and recognizing the value of consultation and collaboration.”
“United we will continue to move forward together,” he said.
Capilano University currently offers a shíshálh Nation language and culture certificate program and the new agreement states the university and the nation are committed to developing programs that will be delivered in a culturally sensitive way.
