Bow Valley College endorses Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education Protocol
April 29 2024 - 7:13PM
Today, Bow Valley College reaffirmed its commitment to
reconciliation and Indigenous learners by signing the Indigenous
Education Protocol.
Developed by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), Bow Valley
College’s President and CEO, Dr. Misheck Mwaba, endorsed the
groundbreaking protocol during the association’s national 2024
Connection Conference.
CICan’s President and CEO, Pari Johnston, was also on hand for
this historic signing ceremony during the conference’s Indigenous
Education Thought Forum. The college becomes the 72nd CICan member
to sign the protocol.
The protocol outlines seven guiding principles that reflect
meaningful ways colleges and institutes can demonstrate their
support for Indigenous education, delivering on the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
“We believe this is not just an aspirational document, but
something that affirms the path Bow Valley College is on, moving
towards reconciliation and decolonizing teaching and learning,”
says Lynn Connell, Vice President, Learner Experience. “In signing
this protocol, we celebrate our accomplishments, renew our
commitment, and use it as a guide to provide an outstanding
experience for Indigenous students.”
Bow Valley College prioritizes Indigenous education throughout
its planning, programming, and supports for students. Notably, the
creation of the college’s first Director, Indigenous Relations and
Reconciliation, the development of accurate and authentic
Indigenous curriculum, and programs offered at the Iniikokaan
Centre that reduce barriers, create a sense of community, and
provide access to cultural teachings and learning.
“The college is finding meaningful ways to move beyond the
surface, providing engagement opportunities with Elders, Indigenous
awareness training for all employees, and the inclusion of
Indigenous perspectives and practices in our programs,” says Dr.
Maurice Manyfingers, Director of Indigenous Relations and
Reconciliation at Bow Valley College.
Recognizing that building relationships and accountability are
integral to Indigenous education, Bow Valley College’s new
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation portfolio is engaging and
consulting local Indigenous communities to find areas for
reciprocal relationship development.
“As we continue our journey towards Indigenization and
reciprocity, we look forward to sharing how Bow Valley College is
prioritizing Indigenous education and incorporating Indigenous
histories and ways of knowing in all aspects of our college
community,” says Connell.
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About Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is the largest college in the Calgary area,
with over 15,000 students. We open doors to in-demand jobs across
Canada. Our graduates contribute to the economy and community
through careers in business, entertainment arts, technology, health
care, social services, and more. We are proud to be named one of
Alberta’s Top 80 employers and one of Canada’s Top 50 research
colleges. Our innovative applied research, focused on health and
health technology, educational technology, and social innovation,
is helping shape the future of college education. Learn more about
the opportunities we create for students, employees, and our
province at bowvalleycollege.ca.
- Bow Valley College signs CICan's Indigenous Education
Protocol
Shannon van Leenen, MA - Senior Media Relations Specialist
Bow Valley College
403-671-3274
shvanleenen@bowvalleycollege.ca