LTFN and 蹤獲扞⑹ sign Memorandum of Understanding on tuition initiative for Lheidli students
Creating new opportunities for students from the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, this MOU improves accessibility to post-secondary education at 蹤獲扞⑹.
The and the University of Northern British Columbia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the educational success of Lheidli students at 蹤獲扞⑹ through an initiative involving comprehensive financial assistance and academic support.
The MOU further strengthens a longstanding collaborative relationship between the LTFN and 蹤獲扞⑹ and is a meaningful response to the Universitys commitment to act on Truth and Reconciliation.
Building on the success of a 2019 pilot agreement, the Lheidli Tenneh Tuition Initiative ensures eligible students have access to post-secondary education at 蹤獲扞⑹ at no cost. The MOU formalizes a tuition waiver from the University in concert with substantial financial support from the LTFN to cover student needs such as living expenses, course-related fees, textbooks and tutoring services.
This initiative opens pathways and empowers Lheidli Tenneh students to pursue educational goals by addressing the financial barriers before them, offering tools to support their success, says Chief Dolleen Logan, on behalf of Lheidli Tenneh First Nation. By deepening our collective responsibility to support the academic success of Indigenous students, we continue walking the long road to Reconciliation together. Our ongoing partnership with 蹤獲扞⑹ is crucial to ensuring that all voices and perspectives are considered as we work together to ignite the next generation of Indigenous leaders in British Columbia, Canada and globally.
A signing ceremony for the MOU took place in the Robert Frederick Gallery at 蹤獲扞⑹s Prince George campus on the traditional territory of the Lheidli Tenneh. The agreement follows the Respectful Acknowledgement pledge the University made last year, and is another significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the LTFN and 蹤獲扞⑹.
This initiative is a powerful reflection of the mutual respect and open dialogue between the Lheidli Tenneh First Nation and 蹤獲扞⑹. It reinforces our existing ties and honours the history of our relationship, says 蹤獲扞⑹ President Dr. Geoff Payne. As an institution, 蹤獲扞⑹ has a responsibility to act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action. This is another tangible and important step in that ongoing process and will uplift and elevate Indigenous voices and perspectives within the University community for generations to come.