February 7, 2014 - 6:43am
Vancouver Island University (VIU) welcomed today’s historic agreement between the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations on First Nations education. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo, who is also VIU’s Chancellor, announced the proposed First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act and significant funding for First Nations K-12 education.
“Today is a historic day for all Canadians, but especially for First Nations students,” said VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Ralph Nilson, who attended today’s announcement in Stand Off, Alberta. “This unprecedented agreement will not only ensure First Nations students have access to educational opportunities enjoyed by all other Canadians, it will also ensure that more Indigenous peoples will be able to access the opportunities afforded by going on to a post-secondary education.”
Vancouver Island University is proud of its relationship with First Nations communities throughout BC. With the largest population of Indigenous students of any BC university, VIU has introduced many initiatives for Indigenous students to support them in their post-secondary goals.
“This legislation will open up further opportunities for First Nations students to prepare for post-secondary education, and will lead to greater success. This will also allow us to engage with and support the Indigenous communities in our regions on educational initiatives,” added Nilson. “I applaud Prime Minster Harper and Chief Atleo for their leadership in achieving today’s historic agreement.”
Vancouver Island University is known as a centre of excellence for teaching, learning and applied research and offers a diverse range of certificate, diploma and undergraduate and master degree programs to more than 18,000 students on campuses in Nanaimo, Powell River and Cowichan, and at the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. As a values-based institution, VIU is committed to engaging its communities and ensuring access to post-secondary education for all. In September 2013, VIU became the first university in British Columbia to offer a Tuition Waiver program for youth in care. For more information visit the [viu website](www.viu.ca).
[Read more](www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033601/1100100033605)
Tags: In the Community
