Aboriginal gathering places to improve college experience

College of the Rockies Aboriginal Gathering Place is currently under construction. Ktunaxa community members and College of the Rockies recently celebrated CBT’s $200,000 contribution. Back row: Allen Nicholas, Councillor, Akisqnuk First Nation; Corrie Walkley, Councillor, St. Mary’s Indian Band; and Nick Rubidge, College of the Rockies, President. Front row: Sandra Luke, Councillor, Lower Kootenay Indian Band; Bob Luke, Councillor, Tobacco Plains Indian Band; Joe Pierre, Councillor, St. Mary’s Indian Band; Carrie Schafer, CBT Community Liaison; and Rosemary Nicholas, Strategic Workforce Coordinator, Ktunaxa Nation Council.

Columbia Basin Trust helps fund projects at Selkirk College and College of the Rockies.

Aboriginal students at Selkirk College and College of the Rockies will find support and a place to gather once construction is complete on the college's newly announced Aboriginal gathering places. The two spaces, valued together at nearly $2.5 million, will be built thanks in part to a $400,000 contribution from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT).

“The Aboriginal gathering places will enhance culturally relevant support for current and future Aboriginal students, as well as provide an opportunity for others to learn about Aboriginal culture,” said Neil Muth, CBT president and CEO. “We’re pleased to help fund these projects, which will enhance our local institutions and improve the college experience of the Basin’s Aboriginal residents.”

According to the 2006 census, 6,695 status First Nations residents live in the Columbia Basin, including 677 on reserves in the East Kootenay. Many live distantly from traditional support systems of family and community. The gathering places will also play a role in educating non-Aboriginal students about the history and culture of Canada’s First Nations.

College of the Rockies President and CEO Dr. Nick Rubidge notes, “We truly appreciate this financial support from Columbia Basin Trust. College of the Rockies has a long history of collaborative partnerships with CBT, which we truly value, and we thank them for their continued support. Our Aboriginal gathering places will be a place of welcome to all Aboriginal people within the college and beyond, and will provide a welcoming environment for all college students and community members to meet, study and socialize.”

While the projects are different in structure, timing and scope, the two colleges have committed to linking the spaces, as well as one at Okanagan College, to enhance operations and the effectiveness of events and presenters visiting the region. The gathering place at Selkirk should be completed by late spring 2011. The College of the Rockies will complete its space in two to three years, with contributions like timber, sawn lumber, gravel and labour coming from local Ktunaxa organizations.

CBT delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.