TRU increases space for Aboriginal student support

The Aboriginal students at Thompson Rivers University now have a larger area for support to help them succeed at their post-secondary education with today’s official opening of the newly renovated Cplul’Kw’ten.

The Cplul’Kw’ten, Secwepemctsin for gathering place, has nearly tripled in size, space that will be a welcoming environment for students to meet and study, and to display art celebrating First Nations and Aboriginal culture. As well, the added space will become the centre for TRU’s Elders in Residence program, which provides support for Aboriginal students.

Dignitaries celebrate the official opening of the newly renovated Cplul'Kw'ten (Secwepemctsin for gathering place).

The Province invested $300,000 in the 110 square metre addition that increases the dedicated space for the nearly nine per cent of TRU’s students who are Aboriginal.

“Government’s investment in this and other gathering places confirms our commitment to improving the quality of life and educational experiences of Aboriginal students,” said Kevin Krueger, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson and Minster of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. “By offering a gathering place, Thompson Rivers University is able to help Aboriginal students feel welcome, and support an environment for success in post-secondary education.”

The new addition complements the existing cottage style of the one of the original 1965 naval munitions base houses on the Kamloops campus. The ceiling is approximately 10′ high, giving the space an open airy feeling, but maintains the warm, relaxed, homey feeling of the existing building. Opening windows take advantage of better indoor air quality, while large overhangs offer passive solar shading. There are also custom etched pictograms on the polished concrete floor.

“”Today we are recognizing that Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing are an important part of the learning that happens at universities. This knowledge is essential for us all.” – Nathan Matthew, TRU Director, Aboriginal Education

“TRU is pleased to have worked with the provincial government to build this beautiful gathering place that is a key part of the university’s efforts to recognize and honour our presence in the traditional territories of a number of First Nations,” said Roger Barnsley, president of Thompson Rivers University. “The structure will also substantially increase the visibility of traditional and contemporary Interior Salish culture and society on the campus and in the community.”

Aboriginal gathering places are designed to decrease isolation and enhance support for Aboriginal students by building structures that reflect Aboriginal culture and history. TRU’s gathering place is one of 27 being created at public post-secondary institutions across B.C. through a $13.6-million investment by the Province.

“Today we are also recognizing that Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing are an important part of the learning that happens at universities,” said Nathan Matthew, TRU Director, Aboriginal Education. “This knowledge is essential for us all.”

“We are breaking down the barriers that have prevented so many of our Aboriginal people from being all they can be,” said Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. “At the same time, we’re helping our province and the Interior meet skills shortages by making sure the growing number of young Aboriginal people in B.C. have the knowledge and skills to build great careers.”