TRU, NVIT formalize relationship through new agreement

A new memorandum of understanding between Thompson Rivers University and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) creates a framework for future collaboration in public education.

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) have formalized their commitment to working together through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) that creates a framework for future collaboration in public education.

Effective Aug. 11, the MOU creates opportunities for the institutions to work together on initiatives including Indigenous language credentials and TRU credentials offered in collaboration with NVIT leadership and faculty, whether on the NVIT campus, virtually or through other agreed approaches. The institutions may also pursue other mutually agreed initiatives and programs.

“At TRU, respectful relations define our behaviour, and we respect each other, the land, knowledge, the peoples of our region and beyond. These relationships are essential to how we learn and move forward together. We recognize NVIT’s leadership in Indigenous education, empowerment and cultural preservation as BC’s Indigenous public post-secondary institution,” said TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Airini.

“Working with NVIT brings together the strengths of two distinctive institutions and creates space for us to learn from one another as we advance truth, reconciliation and Indigenous rights through education.”

TRU President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Airini (left) and NVIT President and CEO Dr. John Chenoweth sign a memorandum of understanding that creates a framework for future collaboration between the two institutions.

For NVIT, the agreement builds on its commitment to Indigenous-led education and collaboration.

“TRU and NVIT have a long-standing relationship built on a shared commitment to supporting learners and communities,” said NVIT President and CEO Dr. John Chenoweth. “This agreement opens the door to innovative approaches and new opportunities to extend education and services to Indigenous communities.

“As BC’s only Indigenous public post-secondary institution, NVIT has a unique provincial mandate to provide Indigenous-focused education and training. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge, culture and community, and guided by the wisdom of our Elders, we are proud to bring our leadership and experience in Indigenous education to this partnership and create pathways that support learners, strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples.”

The MOU establishes guiding principles for the collaboration, including respect for each institution’s autonomy, culturally safe practices, open discussion and respectful representation. It also supports excellence in education and curriculum development that responds to the communities the institutions serve.

Together, TRU and NVIT also recall Le Estcwicwéy̓, the Missing, and honour Tellqelmúcw, the ones yet to be born.

NVIT is British Columbia’s Indigenous Public Post-Secondary Institution, founded by the five First Nations Bands in the Nicola Valley in 1983 and established under the College and Institute Act in 1995. NVIT is an Indigenous-grounded institution located in Nłeʔkepmx and Syilx-Okanagan territory.

TRU is a dual-sector research university. Its campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in Kamloops and the T’exelc in Williams Lake within Secwepemcúlucw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Nuxalk, Tŝilhqot’in, Dakelh and Syilx peoples.