RBC donates $50,000 towards VIU's Aboriginal centre

Community investors are helping to create a new $3.6-million Aboriginal centre of learning and celebration at Vancouver Island University (VIU).

On Friday, RBC Foundation, one of VIU’s generous community partners, announced a $50,000 contribution over two years for the Aboriginal Construction Program. Sixteen First Nations students currently enrolled in the program are honing their carpentry skills while building phase one of the 5,000 square foot Shq’apthut – The Gathering Place on VIU’s Nanaimo campus.

Sharon Hobenshield, VIU’s director of Aboriginal Education, commended RBC and a host of other community partners for supporting the program and the new building.

 “The Gathering Place will be a home-away-from-home and a place of learning, discovery and celebration for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike, as well as the entire community,” she said. “This facility will build a bridge between cultures and serve as a hub on the Nanaimo campus where communities come together. We are extremely grateful for the incredible community support in turning this project into reality.”

The building was designed by Aboriginal architect Alfred Waugh to resemble the traditional Coast Salish pre-European structures. Phase one, at a cost of $2.2-million, is now under construction and expected to be completed by summer of 2010. It includes a student lounge, an elders lounge, and office space for VIU’s Aboriginal Student Services department.

Moira Jenkins, vice-president of Commercial Financial Services for RBC, said “We are very excited to support VIU’s Gathering Place project, and in particular, to help the students enrolled in the Aboriginal Construction Program.

“We recognize the fact that Aboriginal students play an important part in the future growth of VIU, and we are pleased to encourage Aboriginal education and wellbeing throughout the province, especially on Vancouver Island.”

Another local firm, Meyers Norris Penny LLP Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors (MNP), has contributed $10,000 towards the project.

 “When we first heard about VIU’s plans to develop an Aboriginal Gathering Place, we knew right away we wanted to be involved,” said Kenny Ansems, provincial director of Aboriginal Services with MNP.

 “Over the past 20 years, MNP has been fortunate to work with more than 125 Aboriginal communities and organizations across the country, and we make a point of supporting local Aboriginal initiatives whenever we can. We commend VIU for embarking on this important project that recognizes and supports the growing Aboriginal student population at VIU, while at the same time provides a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for students in VIU's new Aboriginal Construction Program.”

Julie Keenan, development manager for VIU, said other generous donations include $50,000 from an anonymous individual estate, and $26,000 from internal fundraising efforts at VIU, including soup and bannock sales by the First Nations Student Services department and a gala reception dinner and auction held last May.

Keenan added that a recent donation of $25,000 from the VIU Student Union will ensure construction of a green roof on the new centre.

 “The Student Union Board supports sustainability initiatives on campus as well as projects that promote Aboriginal education,” said Student Union Chairperson Mikael Jensen. “In terms of student enrolment, VIU has one of the highest Aboriginal post-secondary participation rates in BC so the new Gathering Place will be a welcome addition on campus.”

Meanwhile, fundraising for phase two is continuing. “There is still an outstanding need of $1.8-million to complete additional office space, landscaping and a ceremonial hall,” said Keenan. “We’re confident our community campaign to complete this exciting project will be successful.”

For more information on The Gathering Place project, to see the plans or to make a donation, please visit www.viu.ca/gatheringplace.