The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and Vancouver Island University signed a Learning Partnership Agreement this morning, developed with guidance and approval of NTC to improve educational performances and access to programs for all Nuu-chah-nulth learners.
VIU and NTC commit to “collective responsibility” for the success of all Aboriginal learners attending the university. VIU intends to develop and deliver appropriate and meaningful educational programs for the benefit of all Nuu-chah-nulth learners.
"Today marked the beginning of a new relationship for Nuu-chah-nulth and Vancouver Island University,:" said Ken Watt, Vice President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, who signed on behalf of NTC. "The journey of Reconciliation in education has been led by VIU and we hope Nuu-chah-nutlh future generations will benefit from this agreement. "
This is a multi-phase process, with the Learning Partnership Agreement as a first step. Then comes a Service Agreement, an Affiliation Agreement and an Articulation Agreement.
The purpose of the Learning Partnership Agreement is to promote the academic and social success of all Nuu-chah-nulth students participating in Vancouver Island University courses and programs and to honour and support the histories, cultures and languages of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations communities whose traditional territories are served by Vancouver Island University.
The goal, as stated by NTC, is to provide opportunities for "education, training and employment, the stepping stones towards improved quality of life for those we serve" and to assist students to realize their fullest potential by supporting them academically, culturally and socially through their entire educational journey.
The guiding principles of the Learning Agreement are:
- To promote continued collaboration and consultation.
- To continue to develop a trusting and respectful relationship with NTC communities and support appropriate projects that protect the confidentiality of knowledge or culturally sensitive information.
- To recognize that the creation of partnerships with NTC peoples also represents a critical component in fostering an environment in which Nuu-chah-nulth learners can succeed.
- To meet on a bi-annual basis to review the Learning Partnership Agreement, report on the successes and challenges of existing programs, and identify programs and initiatives that both parties will jointly support.
- To recognize that there has been significant loss of language and culture and to ensure that the significance of language and culture is foundational to all programs
- To ensure that there is representation from all Nuu-chah-nulth groups (Core Nations, Maa-nulth Nations and Independent Nations) in consultations and on key committees
- To commit to action with respect to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action including but not limited to Protecting the right to Aboriginal languages, including the teaching of Aboriginal languages as credit courses; Developing culturally appropriate curricula; Create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages; Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect; Identifying teacher-training needs relating to the above.
