Leanna Michelle was among the graduates attending the Convocation ceremony the morning of June 15, 2012. She graduated with a Community & School Support Certificate, with all her classes taken at the Lillooet campus.
See below for various initiatives at TRU with an Aboriginal focus.
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is committed to maintaining a positive environment where Aboriginal learners can achieve success, and share their talents and culture with the other members of our vibrant, diverse campus community. On this 16th annual National Aboriginal Day, TRU wishes to applaud our Aboriginal students, and reaffirm TRU’s commitment to Aboriginal education.
Thompson Rivers University is committed to becoming the University of Choice for Aboriginal students. It provides programs and services that are relevant and supportive of Aboriginal aspirations of self-governing, healthy communities. TRU recognizes that it is essential that the university provide an inviting learning atmosphere and a respectful, positive relationship between faculty and Aboriginal students at TRU.
“This is an important day for Aboriginal Peoples,” says Dr. Nathan Matthew, Director of Aboriginal Education at TRU. “”I am pleased to be part of at TRU team that is making a significant, positive, contribution to the lives of Aboriginal people.”
Thompson Rivers University is located on traditional Secwepemc (Shuswap) territory. In addition to Secwepemc students, indigenous students at TRU come from several B.C. Nations, including the Carrier, Okanagan, Nuxalk, and Nlaka’pamux. Students of Métis and Inuit ancestry also study on our campus.
In fact, TRU has one of the largest post-secondary indigenous student populations in B.C. Approximately 11% of TRU’s enrolment, or 2424 students in fiscal 2011, including on campus and online students, is Aboriginal. “Aboriginal education is one of the keystones of Thompson Rivers University. We have seen extraordinary achievements at TRU by Aboriginal students and the lives of all our students and everyone at this university is enhanced by the presence and contribution and culture of Aboriginal learners,” says Dr. Alan Shaver, President and Vice-Chancellor of TRU.
June 21 was chosen as National Aboriginal Day because it is on or near the annual Summer Solstice—a day many indigenous peoples, including Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples, have held as significant since time immemorial. A day of growing importance, National Aboriginal Day provides us all an opportunity to acknowledge the unique contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in the areas of agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.
“Our campus is stronger than ever because of the participation of Aboriginal students. The Brown Family House of Learning is heavily influenced by native culture, our traffic stop-signs on TRU campus roads are translated into the Secwepemc language of the Shushap nation—there are many ways that TRU integrates its respect and commitment to Aboriginal heritage into its core. On behalf of TRU, I extend best wishes to all Aboriginal communities on this special day,” adds Dr. Shaver.
Brenda Craig
Media and Communications Supervisor
Thompson Rivers University
T: 250-371-5897
C: 250-319-5248
E: bcraig@tru.ca
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OFF CAMPUS CELEBRATIONS
While there won’t be celebrations on campus, events are taking place at…
Tk’emlups Indian Band pow wow grounds. Learn more.
McDonald Park. Learn more.
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TRU PROGRAMS AND COURSES WITH AN ABORIGINAL FOCUS
What follows is a sample of what TRU offers
A range of courses and programs exist that have an Aboriginal focus or are geared towards Aboriginal learners. There’s University Preparation, the Aboriginal Tourism Certificate, Aboriginal Studies, English classes, Open Learning, Human Service, First Nations Tax Administration, Social Work, and more. Learn more.
Pathways (Aboriginal Health and Nursing) Learn more.
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ON CAMPUS RESOURCES AND CULTURE FOR ABORIGINAL STUDENTS
What follows is a sample of what TRU offers
A number of bursaries exist specifically for Aboriginal learners.
Download the pdf.
The Gathering Place is located in House 5 and is a multi-use and multi-room space that offers a free computer lab, study spaces, special events, feasts, counselling, an opportunity to meet new friends, and more. Learn more.
TRU Elder in the House Program is available in both Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses. The older person at times, adopts the role of a surrogate grandmother or grandfather. Learn more.
TRU Students’ Union First Nations Student Association is involved in organizing activities and involved with faculty and administration to create a positive learning environment for Aboriginal students. Learn more.
Aboriginal art work can be found throughout The Brown Family House of Learning as either on display or part of the building itself like the rock and tile of the hallway floor leading from the main entrance to the back entrance. When outside the building, look up to the northeast corner and you’ll see a sculpture. It’s a coyote and is to recognize TRU being on the traditional lands of the Secwepemc People. The coyote is a prominent figure in the culture and stories of the Secwepemc People. See a close up photo.
The House of Learning also includes the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Centre, which is a 360-degree theatre modeled after an Interior Salish pit house.
TRU offers an orientation day and events for Aboriginal students attending their first year at TRU. Learn more.
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TRU INITIATIVES FOR ABORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
What follows is a sample of what TRU offers
Transitions Day smoothens the path from high school to university through a day of immersion on campus.
Each year, Aboriginal high school students from the local School District 73 experience a day on campus. It is called Transitions Day for Aboriginal Students. Learn more.
Science Camp is for students in grades 8-10 and provides them the opportunity to experience a science and health science camp in addition to a range of off-campus activities. Learn more.
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