A partnership agreement to strengthen their ties was signed by Thompson Rivers University Williams Lake Campus and Williams Lake First Nation.
According to TRU the agreement signed by WLFN Chief Willie Sellars and University President Brett Fairbairn includes a commitment to collaborate in development and implementing mutually beneficial and innovative programs for T’exelcemc people.
That includes developing trades, training and academic programs while incorporating T’excelcemc ways of knowing, values and philosophy and to meet in future to discuss ongoing new initiatives.
“This signifies an especially close and lasting relationship,” Fairbairn stated in a release, “It is a very special day for TRU and we are deeply honoured by the occasion.”
WLFN Chief Willie Sellars said the agreement is very encouraging and very exciting.
“I know TRU in Kamloops has the same relationship. They signed an MOU as well with the Secwepemc communities in the South so here we are continuing to see the progress that we all want to see.”
Fairbairn noted that Thompson Rivers University recognizes the importance of aligning its efforts with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and that TRU continues to strive to create a culturally relevant educational environment that acknowledges Secwepemc histories, languages and worldviews.
“This agreement is about holding up the University and the Indigenous communities where they’re operating and showing that we are working together in this revitalization, this education, this reconciliation journey,” Sellars said.
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