Bow Valley College Supports the Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education Protocol.

Article content

The college is the 72nd CICan member to sign the protocol.

Calgary, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Bow Valley College reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous learners by signing the Protocol on Indigenous Education.

Article content

Bow Valley College President and CEO Dr. Misheck Mwaba, was developed by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and endorsed the groundbreaking protocol during the association’s 2024 national liaison conference.

Article content

CICan President and CEO Pari Johnston was also present at this historic signing ceremony during the conference’s Indigenous Education Thought Forum. The college is the 72nd CICan member to sign the protocol.

The Protocol outlines seven guiding principles that outline meaningful ways in which colleges and institutions can express support for Indigenous education in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

“We believe this is not just an ambitious document, but something that affirms Bow Valley College’s path toward reconciliation and decolonization of teaching and learning,” says Lynn Connell, vice president of Learner Experience. “By signing this protocol, we celebrate our achievements, renew our commitment and use it as a guide to provide an outstanding experience for Indigenous students.”

Bow Valley College places a strong emphasis on Indigenous education in its planning, programming and student support. Specifically, the creation of the College’s first Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the development of an accurate and authentic Indigenous curriculum and programs offered at the Iniikokaan Center that break down barriers, create a sense of community, and provide access to cultural teaching and learning.

Article content

“The college finds meaningful ways to go beyond the surface by providing opportunities to interact with elders, Indigenous awareness training for all staff, and incorporating Indigenous perspectives and practices into our programs,” says Dr. Maurice Manyfingers, Director of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation at Bow Valley College.

Recognizing that relationship building and accountability are an essential part of Indigenous education, Bow Valley College’s new Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Portfolio engages and consults with local Indigenous communities to identify areas for developing mutual relationships.

“As we continue our journey toward Indigenization and reciprocity, we look forward to sharing how Bow Valley College is prioritizing Indigenous education and incorporating Indigenous stories and ways of knowing into all aspects of our college community,” says Connell.

– 30 –

About Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is the largest college in the Calgary region with over 15,000 students. We open doors to in-demand jobs across Canada. Our graduates contribute to the economy and community through careers in business, entertainment arts, technology, healthcare, human services and more. We are proud to be ranked among Alberta’s Top 80 Employers and Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities. Our innovative applied research focused on health and health technology, educational technology and social innovation is helping to shape the future of higher education. Learn more about the opportunities we create for students, staff and our province at bowvalleycollege.ca.

Attachment

• Bow Valley College signs CICan’s Indigenous Education Protocol

Article content