College of the Rockies Vice-President, Education, Stan Chung was pleased to celebrate the opening of a Ktunaxa classroom at the College on Wednesday, April 22. Also present at the event was Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair, Kathryn Teneese.
The dedicated Ktunaxa classroom will provide a visible point of continuity for new or potential aboriginal students to connect with current Ktunaxa students.
The room will host programs such as Bladerunners – an employment training program focussed on providing job readiness skills and education – and the Ktunaxa Workplace Essential Skills training that are currently held in other locations within the College. It will also provide a location for cultural activities, workshops, drop-in sessions, coaching and mentoring sessions and more.
“This classroom presents the College with another means to contribute to our 40-year partnership with the Nation,” said Chung. “We will be able to improve services and create a sense of place for our Aboriginal students in a highly visible location on our campus. This classroom also offers an opportunity for the College community to learn more about the Nation and Aboriginal learners.”
After dedicating the room for Ktunaxa use, College and Ktunaxa representatives celebrated together over a meal of elk tacos.
“The Ktunaxa Nation and the College of the Rockies have a proud history of collaboration within Ktunaxa territory,” said Kathryn Teneese. “This shared space further solidifies this strong relationship and gives the Ktunaxa Nation and all Aboriginal learners a space to not only learn, but teach others as well.”
Learn more about College of the Rockies’ Aboriginal programs, courses and resources at: cotr.ca/aboriginal
Ktunaxa Nation Contact:
Jesse Nicholas
Communications Manager
Ktunaxa Nation Council
Phone: 250-489-2464 ext. 3175
e-mail: JNicholas@ktunaxa.org