Indigenous students at VIU will now have the chance to utilize an expanded space for ceremonial and support services on campus.
The new space will be part of the Shq’apthut (gathering space), and according to the province will include a ceremonial space, Elder-in-residence offices, an upgrade to existing kitchen amenities, and universally accessible washroom facilities.
Elder-in-residence from the Snuneymuxw First Nation Gary Manson says the expansion will bring comfort to First Nations students and help showcase their culture considering what has happened in the past.
“It’s part of the expanding footprint of Indigenous culture on campus,” he says. “We have space to do dancing and drumming, and being able to show our culture to the community helps, considering the 150 years of suppression that we have come from.”
Contributions to build the facility, between the province and VIU, has totalled $4.2 million to expand the gathering space and the province says it is part of improving relations with First Nations.
“This project is part of the province’s lasting commitment to strengthen relations and advance reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples, and to support Indigenous students throughout their educational journey,” they say.
Updates to the exterior design and landscaping are expected to be completed in the spring, and will celebrate Indigenous culture.
According to the province, they have contributed $3.8 million, with the university putting in the remaining $400,000 towards the project.
Last year, over 1,500 students identified as Indigenous, which is 12 per cent of the university’s total population.
