Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is waiving tuition fees for eligible Indigenous students starting this fall.
Current and incoming students who are members of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Musqueam, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem First Nations are eligible. Tuesday’s (June 20) announcement is part of KPU’s commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation.
Education is vital to reconciliation, stated Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president and vice-chancellor, in a release.
“We are committed to creating new opportunities and a welcoming environment for Indigenous students in higher education. Offering free tuition to eligible students continues KPU’s efforts to have open and generative partnerships with Indigenous communities,” stated Davis.
The announcement coincided with the release of a plan to address and reduce ongoing systemic colonialism, oppression, and racism that Indigenous people continue to experience, KPU said. The plan is called xéʔelɬ KPU Pathway to Systemic Transformation. It is KPU’s response to upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
It also addresses calls to action from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA People, and the United Nation’s Declaration Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
KPU Chancellor Kwuntiltunaat (Kim Baird) stated that post-secondary institutions play a vital role in how Indigenous people and Canadians move forward.
“We are at a unique time in the history of this country – a time when we are confronting the colonial past of Canada,” Kwuntiltunaat stated. “As KPU’s first Indigenous woman chancellor, I am proud of seeing the work xéʔelɬ represents to ensure KPU contributes to transformation over time.”
The xéʔelɬ – a hən̓ q̓ əmin̓ əm̓ is a phrase for “pathways” that is pronounced “hee-yeath.” The phrase was developed with the help of the Indigenous Advisory Committee at KPU.
xéʔelɬ – a hən̓ q̓ əmin̓ əm̓ commits KPU to “an ongoing process of systemic transformation through actions detailed in six pathways.
The final details of the program are still being finalized.
Gayle Bedard, associate vice president of Indigenous leadership, innovation and partnerships at KPU stated in an email to the Now-Leader that KPU plans to cover the cost with existing resources without impacting other students.
More information will be posted about the tuition waiver, visit Indigenous Student Services at KPU.
anna.burns@surreynowleader.com
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