VIU Chancellor Shawn (A-in-chut) Atleo elected National Chief

Vancouver Island University (VIU) President Ralph Nilson offered his congratulations to VIU Chancellor, Shawn (A-in-chut) Atleo, on being elected National Chief to the Assembly of First Nations.

“We are very proud of Chief Atleo and the work he is doing to advance opportunities for First Nations communities in BC and across the country,” said Nilson. “Chief Atleo has been a constant advocate for the empowerment of people and their communities.  He is a strong supporter of post-secondary education and has played a significant role in shaping the social and cultural agenda of Vancouver Island University.”

Atleo was installed as VIU’s Chancellor in September 2008.  According to Nilson, this appointment is significant in that Atleo is the First Aboriginal Chancellor in the history of BC.

As a new university in BC, VIU has a mandate to work closely with First Nations and coastal communities and has one of the highest Aboriginal participation rates of any post-secondary school in BC.

“Chief Atleo serves as an exceptional representative for VIU and a role model for the various constituencies the university serves.  Shawn’s past and future success as a leader, as well as his dedication to education and communities, will inspire our students and students across the country.  We are very proud of what he has achieved and proud that he will continue to serve VIU as our Chancellor.  Our engagement with Chief Atleo and First Nation communities has definitely enriched the learning environment at VIU,”  Nilson said.

BACKGROUNDER:

* Vancouver Island University (VIU) has one of the highest Aboriginal participation rates of any post-secondary school in BC

* Approximately 9% of VIU's student body is Aboriginal

* Chief Atleo is the first Aboriginal person to be appointed as a Chancellor in the province of BC.

* VIU has four campuses on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast

* VIU's total student population is in excess of 19,000 full- and part-time learners

* The Aboriginal population is the fastest growing segment of Canada’s population

* VIU Aboriginal programming includes:

          Bachelor of Arts: major/minor in First Nations Studies

          Arts One—First Nations: introduction to First Nations Studies – one-   year university program

          Child and Youth Care First Nations: two-year diploma program

          Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP): two-year university program (in partnership with UBC)

          Forestry Bridging Program: first two years of UBC program

          Aboriginal University Bridging Program: one-year university preparation program

          Aboriginal Sports Management: one-year certificate program

Ongoing VIU Aboriginal activities include:

          Elder Advisors are active in planning, teaching and supporting Aboriginal learners

          First Nations Chancellor

          Development of an Aboriginal Service Plan in partnership with Aboriginal communities

          Aboriginal Community Relations Committee

          First Nations Student Services Department

          Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place 

          Planning cultural events on campus

          Aboriginal Student for a Day

          Learning Partnerships: VIU has established learning partnership agreements with several Aboriginal communities

          Respecting the traditional First Nations territories VIU operates on.  We demonstrate this respect:

* through our signage; all campuses have welcome signs in the traditional language of the First Nations land they operate on

* visual displays on our campuses such as flags and art work

* First Nations ceremonial blessings and greetings are held during events and ceremonies