Capilano University and the shíshálh Nation sign an affiliation agreement

NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. – Capilano University and the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation will sign a historic agreement at kálax-ay, the Sunshine Coast campus on Sept. 21, 2017, commemorating the University’s 40th year in Sechelt. This Affiliation Agreement Regarding Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities will formalize and expand upon the existing collaboration between the two parties in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation and mutual respect.
 
“The signing of this affiliation agreement is historic and significant, especially considering the negative impacts that the residential school legacy has had on our people,” says Ashley Joe, education and employment manager for the shíshálh Nation. “Having this agreement will support our efforts in ensuring a positive, rewarding educational experience for our students and we are thankful to Capilano University for their commitment to this initiative.” 

Capilano University offers a Sechelt Nation Language and Culture Certificate and the affiliation agreement states the University will continue to support the promotion and study of Aboriginal history, culture, language protocols and values. Together, the two organizations are committed to developing programs and services delivered in a culturally sensitive and inclusive way.

“We are proud of the work we’ve carried out at kálax-ay, the Sunshine Coast campus,” says Capilano University’s President, Paul Dangerfield, who will speak at the event on Sept. 21, alongside a representative of shíshálh chief and council. “Capilano University is dedicated to working even more collaboratively with the shíshálh Nation.”

“The shíshálh Nation commends Capilano University for their enthusiasm to engage with us and support the vision we have for educating our people,” says shíshálh Chief Warren Paull. “The development and signing of this agreement is a testament to our positive relationship with faculty and staff. This formal acknowledgement of our affiliation aims to foster the success of shíshálh students and, in turn, increases our capacity as a self-governing Nation.”
 
The invitation-only celebration will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at kálax-ay, the Sunshine Coast campus at 5627 Inlet Ave. in Sechelt. Other speakers include Elder Mus-Sẃiya (Jamie Dixon), a shíshálh student and Julia Denholm, Capilano University’s dean of kálax-ay, the Sunshine Coast campus. 

About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The University offers 99 programs, including bachelor’s degrees in areas as diverse as film, jazz, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University enrols approximately 10,500 students each year, 8,200 in for-credit programs and 2,300 in non-credit courses. Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh), Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

About the shíshálh Nation
In 1986, the shíshálh Nation became an independent self-governing body. To achieve self-reliance and independence, the shíshálh Nation recognizes that its collective success depends on knowing its history, understanding present circumstances and charting a path that leads towards a healthy and prosperous future. The Sechelt Indian Government District holds jurisdiction over its lands and exercises the authority to provide services and education for its residents.

For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact: 

Cheryl Rossi
Senior Communications Advisor
Capilano University
t: 604 983 7596
c: 778 879 7119
e: cherylrossi@capilanou.ca 
www.capilanou.ca