Global Courant
Students who are members of one of the seven First Nations whose traditional territories are home to Kwantlen Polytechnic University campuses will be deprived of tuition and fees starting in the upcoming fall semester.
“Education is fundamental to reconciliation,” said Alan Davis, president and vice-chancellor of the KPU. “We are committed to creating new opportunities and a welcoming environment for Indigenous higher education students.”
Davis received loud applause and cheers when he made the surprise announcement on the Surrey campus on Tuesday.
“That’s huge. If it was me as a young person, I would totally jump on board and take the opportunity presented,” said Rich Pierre, who was emcee for the event.
Pierre, a member of the Katzie First Nation, said he was taken aback by the announcement but is excited about what it means for young people in his community.
The tuition waiver applies to students who are members of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Musqueam, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem First Nations.
The Kwantlen Students Association also waives tuition fees for eligible students.
“When they walk through the doors, they don’t see themselves represented and so the goal is to try to change that by having a stronger presence on all campuses in the future,” said Gayle Bedard, vice president of Indigenous Leadership, Innovation and partnerships at KPU.
“We want to create that sense of connection.”
In addition to the tuition announcement, the school has also committed to a systemic transformation that will implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
At Tuesday’s ceremony, KPU also unveiled a new orange shirt designed by Sylvia Simpson, a fourth-year fine arts student, who chose to use a bear claw because of what it symbolizes in her culture.
“Fiercely defending our children like a mother bear,” she said. “And in the middle is a salmon egg that stands for resilience, bloom, hope and future.”
For young members of local First Nations, the tuition announcement opens up limitless possibilities.
“That’s reconciliation. We walk together,” Pierre told the crowd. “We travel together with one thing in mind…and that’s the future.”
