The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is honoured to introduce an Indigenous Vision (Vision). This document represents the Institution’s deep and continuous commitment to taking sustainable actions that build awareness and understanding around Truth, Reconciliation, Indigenization, the legacy of Colonization, and the contemporary reality of Canada and Indigenous people.
“As we celebrate 25 years of Indigenous Services at BCIT, we affirm our commitment to the enrolment, support, and success of Indigenous learners.”
The Vision honours Indigenous people, knowledge, and culture while formalizing the framework that equips learners with a relevant applied education. Objectives and priorities in the Vision support a future in which: BCIT is the first-choice post-secondary institution for learners in BC; well-developed pathways exist to support Indigenous learner transition to and from BCIT; and Indigeneity is embedded and active across BCIT.
“With the creation of the Vision, we formalize and continue our journey to create an environment in which Indigenous learners find themselves reflected and supported by programs, policies, and services that meet their needs,” says BCIT President Kathy Kinloch. “We will also continue to act on our responsibility to foster Indigenous awareness amongst our faculty, staff, and students while promoting a culture of respect and collaboration as we work together to honour the place and space of Indigenous people.”
Close to 500 key stakeholders were consulted and the Vision was developed in parallel with the renewal of the BCIT Strategic Plan 2019-2022 (Strategic Plan). Consultation around the Strategic Plan more broadly confirmed the pivotal importance of Truth and Reconciliation to the BCIT community. The Vision and Strategic Plan are mutually reinforcing and together they provide a framework for action and accountability. Additionally, as a signatory to the Colleges and Institutes Canada’s (CICan) Indigenous Education Protocol, BCIT has chosen to also structure the Vision and its action around the CICan principles.
“As we celebrate 25 years of Indigenous Services at BCIT, we affirm our commitment to the enrolment, support, and success of Indigenous learners,” says Kory Wilson, Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships at BCIT. “Through an Indigenous Vision we continue to fulfill the promise of a richer educational journey for everyone in our community. We are dedicated to cultivating partnerships and authentic relationships that lead to Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenization for the betterment of all.”
Underpinned by successive strategies and plans, BCIT has designed and delivered Indigenous programs and services since 1985, operated a dedicated Indigenous Services Department since 1994, and worked and studied together in the BCIT Indigenous Gathering Place on the Burnaby Campus (Mi Chap Tukw) since 2011. Moving forward, BCIT will continue to recognize its commitment and mobilize Indigenization through the Vision.
BCIT is grateful to have been educating and inspiring learners for over half a century on the traditional lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations. The Institution values its relationship with Indigenous peoples at all levels, across all campuses, throughout the province, and beyond. It also recognizes that post-secondary institutions have a role to play, not only in educating learners and supporting employees, but also in working with others to help improve the lives of all British Columbians and Canadians.
Read the Vision via https://www.bcit.ca/indigenous-vision/
Quick Facts:
- More than 1,700 Indigenous students were enrolled at BCIT in 2017/2018.
- BCIT has designed and delivered Indigenous programs and services since 1985 and operated a dedicated Indigenous Services Department since 1994.
- As of 2019, more than 500 BCIT employees have completed the BCIT Indigenous 101 workshop.
- BCIT is the 50th Institution to sign the CICan Indigenous Education Protocol.
- Indigeneity is increasingly reflected in the curriculum and teaching practices at BCIT, such as through the three open-sourced Indigenous Awareness Modules employed by faculty and staff.
Note to media: For interview opportunities related to BCIT Indigenous Vision, please contact Jocelyne Leszczynski.
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About the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
For more than 50 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been training the experts, innovators, and professionals who shape our economy – across BC and around the world. With five campuses and over 50,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT is one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes. Through its unique applied education model, students gain the technical skills, real-world experience, and problem-solving ability needed to embrace complexity and lead innovation in a rapidly changing workforce. The BCIT curriculum is developed through close consultation with industry and delivered by instructors who have direct, hands-on experience in their fields.
SEE MORE: BCIT launches new Strategic Plan: Relevance, Reach, Renewal
Thank you for offering this program. It sounds wonderful!