As students returned to classes at the Williams Lake campus, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) signed a partnership agreement Monday, Sept. 9, to strengthen their ties.
TRU President Brett Fairbairn and Williams Lake campus Dean Baldev Pooni present a carving by Spirit Carver Dean to Williams Lake First Nation Kukpi7 Willie Sellars.
While relationship between the First Nation and TRU have been meaningful and productive without an agreement, the freshly signed partnership formalizes their collaboration in the spirit of respect and friendship, TRU President Brett Fairbairn said.
The agreement signed by Williams Lake First Nation Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars and Fairbairn includes a commitment to collaborate in development and implementing mutually beneficial and innovative programs for the St̓éxelcemc people; to develop trades, training and academic programs while incorporating St̓éxelcemc ways of knowing, values and philosophy and to meet in future to discuss ongoing and new initiatives.
“This signifies an especially close and lasting relationship,” said Fairbairn, who presented Sellars with a wolf carving created by Spirit Carver Dean. “It is a very special day for TRU and we are deeply honoured by the occasion.”
T’exelc council and TRU officials attended Monday’s ceremony, which was woven with singing and drumming, words from TRU Chancellor DeDe DeRose, and a blessing by her mother Cecilia DeRose and Elder Kristy Palmantier.
Through the agreement, TRU reaffirms its commitment to offering programs that reflect Secwépemc ways of knowing, as well as providing paths to increase enrolment, retention and graduation rates for Indigenous students, Fairbairn said.
The partnership will lead to new opportunities for academic programming, language revitalization and enhanced student services, he said, potentially including Indigenous mental-health support, financial awards and the expansion of trades and technical training.
He noted that TRU recognizes the importance of aligning its efforts with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and that the university continues to strive to create a culturally relevant educational environment that acknowledges Secwépemc histories, languages and worldviews.
The partnership agreement aligns with TRU’s overarching guiding vision, the Secwépemc value of Kw’seltktnéws — the understanding that we are all interconnected. Fairbairn said the agreement is a tangible expression of that value and ensures TRU is a place of belonging for the Secwépemc people and all Indigenous communities.
Closing the signing ceremony off in song are (left to right): David Archie (cultural co-ordinator at TRU and WLFN), Val West, Danikka Murphy, Coun. Shawna Robbins, Geraldine Bob (Indigenous Student Services co-ordinator at TRU) and Williams Lake First Nation Kukpi7 Willie Sellars.
