Congratulations to BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships for receiving Silver in the 2020 Indigenous Education Excellence Award, presented by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).
The CICan Awards of Excellence celebrates excellence within Canadian colleges and institutes. BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships is recognized for its demonstrated commitment to Indigenous education through innovative initiatives, dedicated resources and services, and community partnerships. These extraordinary contributions have made an impact in social, cultural, and economic development.
“We are honoured to receive the 2020 Indigenous Education Excellence Award that acknowledges our commitment to fulfill the promise of a richer educational journey for our Indigenous learners and to advance Reconciliation. Thank you to our partners and the BCIT community for supporting our learners and in promoting a culture of respect and collaboration. It takes a team to advance Reconciliation and I am grateful to everyone at BCIT,” said Kory Wilson, Executive Director, BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships.
“As Canadians are mobilizing to face a crisis unlike anything we’ve seen in generations, it is perhaps more important than ever to celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and education. Even though we can’t celebrate together this year, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all recipients. All of them show us, in their way, the talent and resourcefulness available at Canadian colleges and institutes. Their achievements are a source of inspiration for us all,” added Denise Amyot, CICan President and CEO.
In 2019, BCIT introduce an Indigenous Vision (Vision) that 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.
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.
Thank you to our Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships team and everyone involved for your contributions and dedication in supporting our learners.
SEE MORE: The changing face of the modern workplace: Why diversity and inclusion matter at BCIT
Quick facts:
- Over 1,700 Indigenous students are enrolled at BCIT.
- Partnering with ACCESS (Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society), BCIT hosts a number of Indigenous cohorts in Foundation trades.
- BCIT Burnaby Campus houses a Traditional Coast Salish House Post, welcoming all people to BCIT – designed and crafted by the artist Aaron Nelson-Moody (Squamish Nation) in honour of the BCIT 50th anniversary.
- BCIT is a signatory of the CICan Indigenous Education Protocol, providing a vision of how colleges and institutes can strive to improve their practices and better serve Indigenous peoples.
- Indigenous 101 training has been delivered to nearly 600 employees across the Institute to support understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
- Three Indigenous Awareness Modules have been designed and are available for all to use at BCIT.
- An Indigenous Wellness Toolkit is currently being created for roll-out to the community in the 2020.