Indigenization at VCC

VCC鈥檚 journey towards Decolonization, Indigenization, and Reconciliation is rooted in a thoughtful understanding of history, an acknowledgement of past and persisting racism, and a commitment to improve educational and career outcomes for Indigenous people in B.C.

We acknowledge that 羞羞影院is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the x史m蓹胃k史蓹y虛蓹m (Musqueam), S岣祑x瘫w煤7mesh (Squamish), and s蓹lilw蓹ta涩 (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial, and we recognize our privilege to work and learn here.

We acknowledge that Canada鈥檚 residential school system was an act of systemic genocide, the legacy of which continues to harm Indigenous people and communities today.

We acknowledge that 羞羞影院is a colonial institution and that as educators, we have a special responsibility to reflect on our own contributions to systemic racism and work to decolonize our attitudes, assumptions, and processes.

We acknowledge that Indigenous ways and knowledge offer tremendous value to our college, greater community, and environment.

We commit to continue listening, learning, and humbly collaborating to the work of Reconciliation and Decolonization in Canada.

Indigenous Instructor

Our guides

羞羞影院is guided to respond to the historic exclusion of Indigenous people in post-secondary education and career training as outlined in the following:

(UNDRIP)(2007)
and (2019)

(2015)

Convocation

Supporting Indigenous student success

羞羞影院offers priority registration for qualified Indigenous applicants in all programs and courses, as well as fee payment flexibility for self-identified Indigenous students.

In collaboration with local First Nations and the Native Education College, 羞羞影院conducts outreach and delivers customized, on-demand basic education, academic upgrading, and career programs on campus and in community.

Indigenous learners can access one-on-one assistance with program applications, funding research, and educational planning, and connect with Elders to experience traditional teachings and engage in culturally reflective counselling.

Incoming First Nations, Metis, and Inuit learners at 羞羞影院can connect with current Indigenous students or 鈥渃ousins鈥� for guidance in navigating the post-secondary experience.

Dedicated areas on VCC鈥檚 Broadway and Downtown campuses support cultural safety and belonging while offering the use of computers, printers, kitchenettes, and meeting spaces.

Decolonizing our institution

Building on the foundational work of the Indigenization Readiness Assessment, 羞羞影院is engaging with expert consultants and Indigenous community members to develop an official framework for Indigenization across the institution. This initiative reflects VCC鈥檚 ongoing commitment to meaningful Reconciliation, integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and fostering a more inclusive and responsive learning environment.

羞羞影院seeks regular operational and program guidance from an advisory committee representing numerous local First Nations, post-secondaries, school districts, and Indigenous community groups.

羞羞影院is committed to ongoing delivery of learning and growing opportunities for employees that address key topics such as land acknowledgements, cultural safety training, responding to racism, and preventing harassment and discrimination. Through workshops, sharing circles, speaker series, and more, participants can engage in respectful dialogue and meaningful reflection, deepening their understanding of Indigenous histories, perspectives, and ways of knowing and being.

Indigenous Speaker
Ground blessing ceremony

Strengthening Indigenous relationships

羞羞影院is committed to building and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, on whose lands we are privileged to learn and work. We actively engage with our Host Nations to ensure that our Indigenization efforts align with their values, histories, and priorities. Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, we seek to honour their stewardship of these lands while integrating Indigenous perspectives into our institution in meaningful ways.

The 羞羞影院Indigenous Advisory Council plays a crucial role in guiding our Indigenization efforts. Comprised of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders, the council provides insight and leadership to help shape institutional policies, curriculum development, and culturally responsive programming. Their contributions ensure that VCC鈥檚 approach to Reconciliation is informed by Indigenous voices and lived experiences.

Through the Indigenous Partnerships and Pathways Fund, 羞羞影院is committed to supporting Indigenous learners by providing financial aid, mentorship, and academic pathways that foster success. By working closely with Indigenous organizations and communities, we aim to remove barriers to post-secondary education and create opportunities for Indigenous students to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

Our community-led partnerships extend beyond campus, as we collaborate with Indigenous-led organizations, businesses, and advocacy groups to support economic development, skills training, and cultural programming. These partnerships are rooted in reciprocity and shared goals, ensuring that VCC contributes to broader community initiatives while continuously learning from Indigenous perspectives. Through these meaningful connections, we reaffirm our commitment to Reconciliation and the advancement of Indigenous education and self-determination.