UVic supports programs to increase First Nations teachers in K-12 

By University of Victoria

Ten people stand in a line side by side in the Stz'uminus Big House, with wooden bench seats behind them.
Monday’s announcement drew a large group at the Stz’uminus Big House. Pictured (from left): Gina-Mae Harris, Hul’q’umi’num’ lead; Josie Louie, Stz’uminus Education Society director; sumaxatkᵂ Tracey Kim Bonneau, chair, Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association; Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, UVic president; Stz’uminus First Nation Chief John Elliot; BC Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Minister Jessie Sunner; Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson, UVic Indigenous Education department chair Jean-Paul Restoule; Tyrone McNeil, First Nations Education Steering Committee president; and Deborah Jeffrey, First Nations Education Steering Committee executive director.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is proud to support four of six First Nations across British Columbia that received significant investments into community-based teacher education from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, announced yesterday. 

Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Ktunaxa Nation and W̱SÁNEĆ College were among those selected for the $5.4 million in teacher recruitment and retention funding over two years. Each Nation sets the priorities and direction, and UVic’s Indigenous Education and Continuing Studies departments support those efforts with curriculum expertise and program delivery that connects local learning with university-level teacher education. 

“Our ancestors remind us of our responsibility and birthright to carry forward the vision of our people. Guided by ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL—respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things—we uphold our commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with sincerity and action. First Nations have long carried the goals of revitalizing languages and educating teachers within their own communities. At UVic, we are honoured to walk alongside Nations to support these priorities, ensuring their visions are realized,” says Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, UVic acting president and vice-chancellor.

Read the ministry announcement online


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