On May 24, 2022, BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships honoured President Kathy Kinloch for her 8-year contribution to BCIT and in guiding BCIT’s commitment to taking authentic, sustainable actions that build awareness and understanding around Truth, Reconciliation, Indigenization, the legacy of Colonization, and the contemporary reality of Canada and Indigenous people.
“We are very grateful to Kathy Kinloch and applaud her vision and commitment, not only to BCIT, but to championing BCIT’s first Indigenous Vision,” said Kory Wilson, Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships. “The Vision is grounded in truth and the goal is reconciliation. The support across BCIT has been tremendous and we look forward to continuing to ensure that BCIT is a leader in Indigenous education.”
The Honouring Ceremony was co-hosted by Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships in coordination with the George Family, Elders, and Weavers from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
Kory introduced Elder Carleen Thomas to present the Indigenous Protocol Welcome.
During the ceremony, BCIT was gifted official President’s Robes, designed by Tsleil-Waututh weaver Deanna George, for the purposes of future honouring ceremonies. Speaker Gabriel George called upon Kory Wilson and Tami Pierce, Associate Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, to present President Kinloch with a commemorative blanket as recognition for her work in support of Truth and Reconciliation. Gabriel noted how Kathy embraces the Indigenous culture, and that they, in turn, embrace her.
The many Witnesses present proclaimed their respect and admiration of Kathy and her leadership. As well, they thanked the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, speaker Gabriel George, and BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships for leading this poignant and moving ceremony.
Drummers Nicholas Kofi, Gordon George, Jade George, and Cyrus George performed a final celebration song before Gabriel provided closing remarks to mark the end of the ceremony.
SEE MORE: BCIT Indigenous Student Champions: Supporting peers on their educational journey
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. BCIT 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 vital 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.
BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships not only provides holistic resources and services to support students, IIP supports faculty, staff, departments and schools with Indigenization, and Reconciliation. Learn more about BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships.
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