Gilakas’la,
Welcome to the February issue of our Aboriginal Education Newsletter.
As we begin a new year, we are welcoming many new projects at NIC with a focus on Indigenization and Reconciliation.
The development of a new Aboriginal Education operational plan for Reconciliation, Indigenization and Decolonization continues. Following our work with the Regional Aboriginal Education Advisory committees, we met with NIC administrators, faculty and staff. It was inspiring to see so many people come forward to discuss how NIC can fulfill the responsibilities to the Indigenous Education Protocols, as well as the TRC Calls to Action and UNDRIP. This feedback will be incorporated into our draft plan, which we expect to have complete later this spring.
One step has already been taken, with the renaming of the Aboriginal Education Council to the Indigenous Education Council. This official name change took place in January and will be reflected throughout NIC in the coming year.
This year also marks a significant step forward for a major project at our Campbell River campus – a new Gathering Place. More details on the project will be unveiled in the coming months. I want to thank all the members of the community, students and Elders for their input and feedback on how to create a welcoming and respectful space for indigenous teachings and events to take place.
While these are major projects taking place around NIC, we know there are also examples of the great work being done by our students, faculty and staff.
If you know of an event, activity or project, please share it with us: ab.ed@nic.bc.ca.
- Kelly Shopland
Director, Aboriginal Education
