The University of Northern B.C. and a Prince George area First Nation have partnered to support Indigenous access to post-secondary education.
The agreement, believed to be the first of its kind in Canada, gives Lheidli T’enneh Nation members access to UNBC at no cost to the student through two programs.
Candidates who meet UNBC admission requirements will get free tuition for a full undergraduate degree provided by the university while the Lheidli T’enneh Nation will cover all living expenses.
The second program provides the same benefits and is available to Lheidli T’enneh identified students who do not meet the normal admission requirements for UNBC entrance, yet demonstrate strong academic promise, or want to transition from high school or college to University.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission made it very clear that Canada, as a nation, simply must do better with regards to making education accessible for Aboriginal peoples. Today, the Lheidli T’enneh and UNBC have taken a significant stride towards that, demonstrating what is possible when we are limited only by our aspirations,” says Dr. Daniel Weeks, UNBC President and Vice-Chancellor in a news release.
Chief Clay Pountney calls the agreement a “win-win” for both the Lheidli T’enneh and UNBC while also a clarifying a common myth that all Indigenous people have unlimited access to post-secondary education.
