College of the Rockies signs Indigenous Education Protocol

The Protocol will ensure the continuing partnership between the Ktunaxa, Shuswap and Métis people and the College of the Rockies

by Keith Powell — August 04, 2015

(l-r) Shuswap Band Chief Barb Cote, College of the Rockies Vice-President, Academic and Applied Research Stan Chung, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair Kathryn Teneese, Métis Nation British Columbia’s Regional Director for the Kootenays, Marilynn Taylor and Morganna Eugene from the Ktunaxa Nation (front) celebrate the signing of the Indigenous Education Protocol. — Photo courtesy

College of the Rockies Vice-President Education, Stan Chung, was pleased to sign the Indigenous Education Protocol for Colleges and Institutes during the Ktunaxa Nation Annual General Assembly on July 14.

Through the Protocol, College of the Rockies commits to create curriculum and provide services and learning environments that respect indigenous values and cultures. Chung was joined in signing the Protocol by Kathryn Teneese from the Ktunaxa Nation, Chief Barb Cote from the Shuswap Band and Marilynn Taylor from Métis Nation British Columbia.

“We are proud of our 40-year relationship of working with Ktunaxa, Shuswap and Métis people,” says Chung. “As education is an important step toward self-determination and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities we look forward to continuing to strengthen these relationships and to support the learning needs of Indigenous peoples.”

“This protocol builds upon the current Memorandum of Understanding between the Ktunaxa Nation and the College of the Rockies,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair.
“As signatories to the Indigenous Education Protocol, we as a Nation are committed to supporting the College of the Rockies in its goal to recognize and affirm its obligation to Indigenous education. In the spirit of reconciliation, I believe that there is so much we can teach, but more importantly learn, from each other. The Ktunaxa Nation and the College of the Rockies have a long-standing partnership that has benefitted all those who reside in Ktunaxa territory. I am very pleased that this commitment to education from both parties will continue.”

The aspirational document was created based on seven key principles meant to better serve the indigenous populations that reside in the region. These principles are:

1. Commit to making indigenous education a priority.

2. Ensure governance structures recognize and respect indigenous peoples.

3. Implement intellectual and cultural traditions of indigenous peoples through curriculum and learning approaches relevant to learners and communities.

4. Support students and employees to increase understanding and reciprocity among indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

5. Commit to increasing the number of indigenous employees with ongoing appointments throughout the institution, including indigenous senior administrators.

6. Establish indigenous-centered holistic services and learning environments for learner success.

7. Build relationships and be accountable to indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education, training and applied research.

“The Métis Nation British Columbia is very pleased to sign a Protocol Agreement that will address learning needs and support the key components to Indigenous education and communities,” says Métis Nation British Columbia’s Regional Director for the Kootenays, Marilyn Taylor. “Education is the cornerstone for the future success of our nation and this agreement will highlight that.”

Learn more about Aboriginal education at College of the Rockies: cotr.ca/aboriginal