The College of New Caledonia and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation advanced their relationship this morning (Wednesday), signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will help provide education opportunities to the Nation’s members.
The MOU is entitled ilhoh nus ts’et’oh Tuition Initiative – We are Paddling Forward Together, named by Lheidli T’enneh language holders.
“Lheidli T’enneh has been focused on building a partnership for the last number of years with partners we know will help create and foster strong futures for our members, no matter their age or socioeconomic status,” said Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan.
“One of the most important partnerships we could ever create relates to education.”
Under the MOU, tuition and fee waivers will be available for ten students per year from the First Nation, five for trades students and five for university transfer students, which Logan hopes will expand in the future.
“This agreement is more than a document, it’s a commitment to reconciliation, to equity, and to the shared belief that education is a powerful tool for transformation and growth,” said CNC President Cindy Heitman.
“It recognizes strength, wisdom, and resilience of Indigenous communities, and affirms our responsibility to create space where First Nations students feel welcome, supported, and empowered.”
Heitman added they’re having conversations with other First Nations on similar agreements.
“Currently, we work closely with our First Nations and we’re trying to develop and strengthen relationships that maybe have wandered a little bit over the past few years,” she said.
“We are working hard to commit to the other nations, and we look forward to having conversations.”
A similar agreement was signed between the Lheidli T’enneh and UNBC earlier this year.
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