On Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) signed Yerí7 me7 sucwentwécw-kt, We will recognize one another. This cooperative agreement establishes a framework for joint decision-making and collaboration on academic programming and research, with a focus on improving educational outcomes for T’exelcemc students. The agreement recognizes T’exelc’s inherent rights, jurisdiction and cultural authority within its traditional territory.
“We take great pride in building relationships and partnerships with institutions like Thompson Rivers University, operating within T’exelcemc territory and lifting up both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across our region,” said WLFN Kukwpi7 Willie Sellars.
“These partnerships create meaningful opportunities to advance reconciliation, and education is a key part of that work. By supporting learning, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for people to better understand one another, we can help build a stronger future for everyone in our region.”
Building on a partnership agreement signed in 2024, the new agreement includes a shared implementation plan to put the new formalized agreement into practice.
“We are grateful to grow together as partners with T’exelc. Yerí7 me7 sucwentwécw-kt, We will recognize one another reflects our shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities through education and research,” said Dr. Airini, TRU president and vice-chancellor.
“We recognize the importance of T’exelcemc knowledge, language and leadership in shaping how we work together. What matters now is putting these commitments into action, removing barriers for student success and building educational pathways that reflect the priorities and aspirations of Williams Lake First Nation.”
The agreement commits WLFN and TRU to working together to develop academic programming that reflects the interests, language, culture and traditional knowledge of the T’exelcemc (the people of Williams Lake First Nation), across a range of educational opportunities including training, certificates, diplomas and degrees.
It also establishes a framework for collaborative research that supports WLFN’s priorities, while affirming the Nation’s authority over cultural protocols and customary practices in its traditional territory.
TRU also commits to incorporating the T’exelcemc variation of Secwepemctsín (the Secwépemc language) into courses, events, campus signage and communications, and to recognizing WLFN’s role in welcoming visitors and guiding cultural protocols at the Williams Lake campus.
The agreement prioritizes improving educational outcomes and expanding opportunities for T’exelcemc students, with a shared commitment to increasing enrolment, retention and graduation rates, and expanding financial awards.
WLFN and TRU will work together to address barriers to education, exploring housing options for students attending TRU’s Kamloops campus and strengthening pathways for students transitioning between campuses. TRU will also continue to recognize prior learning and work to provide culturally appropriate mental health services, academic advising, tutoring and other student supports to help T’exelcemc students succeed.
The agreement is guided by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as key frameworks for the parties’ commitments and actions. Both parties also commit to supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
Through ongoing collaboration and implementation of the agreement, WLFN and TRU will work together to advance these commitments, address educational achievement gaps and create lasting opportunities for T’exelcemc students.
Thompson Rivers University is leading in sustainability. Learn more about TRU’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
