By Pete McIntyre

‘The time to act is now’: Reconciliation declaration signed

Sep 25, 2019 | 12:14 PM

UBC Okanagan has made a committment to take action toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Elders, chiefs and community members from throughout the Syilx Okanagan Nation joined with students, faculty and staff for an historic signing at the Kelowna campus Tuesday.

As part of the university’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, UBCO has said it will take action on five recommendations developed by its Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

The actions include: Development of an Indigenous culture orientation program for all faculty and staff, establishing a senior advisor on Indigenous affairs for the Okanagan campus, developing activities that support the revitalization of Indigenous language fluency, advancing Indigenous teaching and research and expanding health and wellness services to better support Aboriginal students.

“In making this commitment to the Calls to Action, UBC is taking an important step,” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chair of the Okanagan Nation Alliance said. “Indian residential schools were purposely designed to ‘take the Indian out of the child’ by destroying Indigenous languages, cultures, and connections to our lands. The time to act is now. The steps that UBC is taking will strengthen the collaborative relationship between the university and the Syilx Okanagan Nation. They will make meaningful contributions to supporting Syilx students and scholars, increase intercultural understanding, and over time, they will enrich the future for us all.”

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UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono said UBC is deeply committed to collaborating with Indigenous peoples and communities to address the legacy of colonialism, and to co-develop knowledge and relationships.

“The Okanagan campus is at the leading edge of this effort through its foundational partnership with the Syilx Okanagan Nation and its commitments to access and success for all Indigenous students,” Ono said.

In 2005, UBC established the Okanagan campus in Syilx Okanagan territory in partnership with Syilx Okanagan Chiefs, embarking on a new relationship with the Indigenous peoples of the region and furthering the university’s commitment to Indigenous partnerships.

“Since the beginning of this campus, UBC has enjoyed the support, friendship and warmth of Syilx people and communities. It is a blessing and an invaluable privilege. Going forward we recommit to working towards reconciliation and better serving the Syilx community,” said Deborah Buszard, UBC Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UBC Okanagan.

Information about the declaration and commitments is available online.

by Pete McIntyre

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